Latest news with #Lancaster
The Advertiser
a day ago
- Health
- The Advertiser
How Graham is tackling life, one year after he was diagnosed with an incurable disease
A year ago, Graham Lancaster received news that could have completely upended his life. The well-known regional lawyer was told he had the incurable degenerative condition motor neurone disease (MND). It's something he is conscious of every day, and he is proactive in taking steps to try and slow the disease's progression. But generally, life has rolled on: he continues to work, indulge in his interests, and maintain his sense of humour, although he admits it can slant a little dark sometimes. "The concept of the one-year anniversary coming up is significant because, in that time, I haven't had a lot of symptoms and my progression has been very slow, and the doctors have confirmed that," Mr Lancaster said. There are reminders of the illness: the morning he spoke to the Mercury, his tricep started twitching, a symptom of MND. "I went, 'Alright, you're reminding me you're still there', " he said. Mr Lancaster received a provisional diagnosis of MND, an incurable degenerative illness, on June 24, 2024, after he pushed for tests when he realised he had muscle wasting in his right hand. That blow came just days after Global MND Awareness Day, which is marked annually on June 21. Ten days after the provisional diagnosis, doctors confirmed Mr Lancaster had sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a form of the disease for which the cause is not known. Mr Lancaster is receiving treatment from his doctors, including a trial of a drug called Ambroxol, and has appointments every three months to track the progression of his illness. But he is also on a regimen of vitamin supplements and other therapies, which he has found through online communities and his own searches, which he hopes will inhibit the disease's progression. Mr Lancaster said the number of people who died of MND within a year or two of diagnosis suggested to him that "late diagnosis is a very real problem". MND Australia says the average survival time after diagnosis is two and a half years. "I was lucky to get diagnosed early, so I got on to doing things early, and you know, I do believe that has helped to slow the progression," Mr Lancaster said. "If you get diagnosed late, you're already on a pathway of cascading issues and problems, and it's hard to turn all of that back and climb your way back up from that." Mr Lancaster plans to beat the expected survival period of two to five years. Not only has he taken steps to slow the MND, but he has put more energy into improving his general health. Unfortunately, he had to give up cheer - at one point, he was Australia's oldest male cheerleader - because he doesn't want to let his team down should he become unable to attend competitions. But as a dedicated supporter of the Illawarra Hawks, Mr Lancaster has remained a prominent sight at the basketball team's home games since his diagnosis, always sporting his distinctive double-horned red-and-black Vikings hat. "I will be going to the Hawks games for as long as I can," he said. "The seat we have at the stadium, if I've got to crawl down to that seat, I will crawl down to that seat and crawl back up the steps." "As far as purpose, I think that having a job that I love means that I get in, I get things done, and that keeps me going as well," Mr Lancaster said. He also has another very special motivating factor: he and his wife, Cath, will become grandparents for the first time later this year when their daughter Sarah (they also have a son, Patrick) welcomes her first child with husband Jordan. Mr Lancaster said Cath had supported his efforts to slow his disease - but added that she didn't let him get out of jobs around the house just because he had MND. His goal is not just to live as long as he can, but to live well and help others. To that end, he shares information he's learnt with others experiencing MND and offers support. "I've come to embrace the ALS," he said. "I don't want to spend a lot of energy fighting it, per se. I think I'm working with it, and it's just something that's part of the day now." A year ago, Graham Lancaster received news that could have completely upended his life. The well-known regional lawyer was told he had the incurable degenerative condition motor neurone disease (MND). It's something he is conscious of every day, and he is proactive in taking steps to try and slow the disease's progression. But generally, life has rolled on: he continues to work, indulge in his interests, and maintain his sense of humour, although he admits it can slant a little dark sometimes. "The concept of the one-year anniversary coming up is significant because, in that time, I haven't had a lot of symptoms and my progression has been very slow, and the doctors have confirmed that," Mr Lancaster said. There are reminders of the illness: the morning he spoke to the Mercury, his tricep started twitching, a symptom of MND. "I went, 'Alright, you're reminding me you're still there', " he said. Mr Lancaster received a provisional diagnosis of MND, an incurable degenerative illness, on June 24, 2024, after he pushed for tests when he realised he had muscle wasting in his right hand. That blow came just days after Global MND Awareness Day, which is marked annually on June 21. Ten days after the provisional diagnosis, doctors confirmed Mr Lancaster had sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a form of the disease for which the cause is not known. Mr Lancaster is receiving treatment from his doctors, including a trial of a drug called Ambroxol, and has appointments every three months to track the progression of his illness. But he is also on a regimen of vitamin supplements and other therapies, which he has found through online communities and his own searches, which he hopes will inhibit the disease's progression. Mr Lancaster said the number of people who died of MND within a year or two of diagnosis suggested to him that "late diagnosis is a very real problem". MND Australia says the average survival time after diagnosis is two and a half years. "I was lucky to get diagnosed early, so I got on to doing things early, and you know, I do believe that has helped to slow the progression," Mr Lancaster said. "If you get diagnosed late, you're already on a pathway of cascading issues and problems, and it's hard to turn all of that back and climb your way back up from that." Mr Lancaster plans to beat the expected survival period of two to five years. Not only has he taken steps to slow the MND, but he has put more energy into improving his general health. Unfortunately, he had to give up cheer - at one point, he was Australia's oldest male cheerleader - because he doesn't want to let his team down should he become unable to attend competitions. But as a dedicated supporter of the Illawarra Hawks, Mr Lancaster has remained a prominent sight at the basketball team's home games since his diagnosis, always sporting his distinctive double-horned red-and-black Vikings hat. "I will be going to the Hawks games for as long as I can," he said. "The seat we have at the stadium, if I've got to crawl down to that seat, I will crawl down to that seat and crawl back up the steps." "As far as purpose, I think that having a job that I love means that I get in, I get things done, and that keeps me going as well," Mr Lancaster said. He also has another very special motivating factor: he and his wife, Cath, will become grandparents for the first time later this year when their daughter Sarah (they also have a son, Patrick) welcomes her first child with husband Jordan. Mr Lancaster said Cath had supported his efforts to slow his disease - but added that she didn't let him get out of jobs around the house just because he had MND. His goal is not just to live as long as he can, but to live well and help others. To that end, he shares information he's learnt with others experiencing MND and offers support. "I've come to embrace the ALS," he said. "I don't want to spend a lot of energy fighting it, per se. I think I'm working with it, and it's just something that's part of the day now." A year ago, Graham Lancaster received news that could have completely upended his life. The well-known regional lawyer was told he had the incurable degenerative condition motor neurone disease (MND). It's something he is conscious of every day, and he is proactive in taking steps to try and slow the disease's progression. But generally, life has rolled on: he continues to work, indulge in his interests, and maintain his sense of humour, although he admits it can slant a little dark sometimes. "The concept of the one-year anniversary coming up is significant because, in that time, I haven't had a lot of symptoms and my progression has been very slow, and the doctors have confirmed that," Mr Lancaster said. There are reminders of the illness: the morning he spoke to the Mercury, his tricep started twitching, a symptom of MND. "I went, 'Alright, you're reminding me you're still there', " he said. Mr Lancaster received a provisional diagnosis of MND, an incurable degenerative illness, on June 24, 2024, after he pushed for tests when he realised he had muscle wasting in his right hand. That blow came just days after Global MND Awareness Day, which is marked annually on June 21. Ten days after the provisional diagnosis, doctors confirmed Mr Lancaster had sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a form of the disease for which the cause is not known. Mr Lancaster is receiving treatment from his doctors, including a trial of a drug called Ambroxol, and has appointments every three months to track the progression of his illness. But he is also on a regimen of vitamin supplements and other therapies, which he has found through online communities and his own searches, which he hopes will inhibit the disease's progression. Mr Lancaster said the number of people who died of MND within a year or two of diagnosis suggested to him that "late diagnosis is a very real problem". MND Australia says the average survival time after diagnosis is two and a half years. "I was lucky to get diagnosed early, so I got on to doing things early, and you know, I do believe that has helped to slow the progression," Mr Lancaster said. "If you get diagnosed late, you're already on a pathway of cascading issues and problems, and it's hard to turn all of that back and climb your way back up from that." Mr Lancaster plans to beat the expected survival period of two to five years. Not only has he taken steps to slow the MND, but he has put more energy into improving his general health. Unfortunately, he had to give up cheer - at one point, he was Australia's oldest male cheerleader - because he doesn't want to let his team down should he become unable to attend competitions. But as a dedicated supporter of the Illawarra Hawks, Mr Lancaster has remained a prominent sight at the basketball team's home games since his diagnosis, always sporting his distinctive double-horned red-and-black Vikings hat. "I will be going to the Hawks games for as long as I can," he said. "The seat we have at the stadium, if I've got to crawl down to that seat, I will crawl down to that seat and crawl back up the steps." "As far as purpose, I think that having a job that I love means that I get in, I get things done, and that keeps me going as well," Mr Lancaster said. He also has another very special motivating factor: he and his wife, Cath, will become grandparents for the first time later this year when their daughter Sarah (they also have a son, Patrick) welcomes her first child with husband Jordan. Mr Lancaster said Cath had supported his efforts to slow his disease - but added that she didn't let him get out of jobs around the house just because he had MND. His goal is not just to live as long as he can, but to live well and help others. To that end, he shares information he's learnt with others experiencing MND and offers support. "I've come to embrace the ALS," he said. "I don't want to spend a lot of energy fighting it, per se. I think I'm working with it, and it's just something that's part of the day now." A year ago, Graham Lancaster received news that could have completely upended his life. The well-known regional lawyer was told he had the incurable degenerative condition motor neurone disease (MND). It's something he is conscious of every day, and he is proactive in taking steps to try and slow the disease's progression. But generally, life has rolled on: he continues to work, indulge in his interests, and maintain his sense of humour, although he admits it can slant a little dark sometimes. "The concept of the one-year anniversary coming up is significant because, in that time, I haven't had a lot of symptoms and my progression has been very slow, and the doctors have confirmed that," Mr Lancaster said. There are reminders of the illness: the morning he spoke to the Mercury, his tricep started twitching, a symptom of MND. "I went, 'Alright, you're reminding me you're still there', " he said. Mr Lancaster received a provisional diagnosis of MND, an incurable degenerative illness, on June 24, 2024, after he pushed for tests when he realised he had muscle wasting in his right hand. That blow came just days after Global MND Awareness Day, which is marked annually on June 21. Ten days after the provisional diagnosis, doctors confirmed Mr Lancaster had sporadic amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), a form of the disease for which the cause is not known. Mr Lancaster is receiving treatment from his doctors, including a trial of a drug called Ambroxol, and has appointments every three months to track the progression of his illness. But he is also on a regimen of vitamin supplements and other therapies, which he has found through online communities and his own searches, which he hopes will inhibit the disease's progression. Mr Lancaster said the number of people who died of MND within a year or two of diagnosis suggested to him that "late diagnosis is a very real problem". MND Australia says the average survival time after diagnosis is two and a half years. "I was lucky to get diagnosed early, so I got on to doing things early, and you know, I do believe that has helped to slow the progression," Mr Lancaster said. "If you get diagnosed late, you're already on a pathway of cascading issues and problems, and it's hard to turn all of that back and climb your way back up from that." Mr Lancaster plans to beat the expected survival period of two to five years. Not only has he taken steps to slow the MND, but he has put more energy into improving his general health. Unfortunately, he had to give up cheer - at one point, he was Australia's oldest male cheerleader - because he doesn't want to let his team down should he become unable to attend competitions. But as a dedicated supporter of the Illawarra Hawks, Mr Lancaster has remained a prominent sight at the basketball team's home games since his diagnosis, always sporting his distinctive double-horned red-and-black Vikings hat. "I will be going to the Hawks games for as long as I can," he said. "The seat we have at the stadium, if I've got to crawl down to that seat, I will crawl down to that seat and crawl back up the steps." "As far as purpose, I think that having a job that I love means that I get in, I get things done, and that keeps me going as well," Mr Lancaster said. He also has another very special motivating factor: he and his wife, Cath, will become grandparents for the first time later this year when their daughter Sarah (they also have a son, Patrick) welcomes her first child with husband Jordan. Mr Lancaster said Cath had supported his efforts to slow his disease - but added that she didn't let him get out of jobs around the house just because he had MND. His goal is not just to live as long as he can, but to live well and help others. To that end, he shares information he's learnt with others experiencing MND and offers support. "I've come to embrace the ALS," he said. "I don't want to spend a lot of energy fighting it, per se. I think I'm working with it, and it's just something that's part of the day now."
Daily Mirror
2 days ago
- Lifestyle
- Daily Mirror
Save £20 on ‘nourishing' aftersun bundle that ‘makes tan last longer'
Secure your tan this summer with an aftersun bundle that not only cares for the skin with a 'nourishing' formula but also 'makes the tan last longer', and right now it's a whopping 40% off Aftersun is a must-have during the summer months, whether you're catching some rays in your garden or sunbathing on the Mediterranean coast. Helping to reduce the effects of sunburn and lock in the bronzed look, this after-sun cream delivers soothing moisture to sun-exposed skin and prolongs the look of your natural tan. This Lancaster Golden Tan Maximizer Bundle is currently up for grabs for a massive 40% off, thanks to this Lookfantastic sale. Armed with two bottles of Lancaster's iconic after sun, this bundle prolongs your summer glow with its milky, fast-absorbing cream that has been formulated to maintain a sun-kissed look while visibly soothing sun-exposed skin. Perfect for taking with you on your next trip to the beach, picnic in the park, afternoon hike, or holiday abroad, this after-sun has been designed to soothe and suit all skin types, even sensitive skin, ensuring everyone can enjoy a sun-kissed glow without the dreaded pains of sunburn. The Lancaster cream 's formula is powered by the brand's Tan Activator Complex, which contains naturally derived buriti oil to help prolong the appearance of your natural tan without the need for gradual tanner or fake tan top-ups throughout the rest of the summer. Suitable for use on the face and body, the after-sun delivers instant soothing moisture to the skin to leave it silky smooth and scented with Lancaster's signature fragrance. Normally retailing for £48, this two-piece bundle is now sporting a mega 40% discount, reducing its price to £28.80 while this deal lasts. And if that isn't enough incentive, plenty of Lookfantastic shoppers have left glowing recommendations in the form of 5-star reviews. One commenter beams: " Best body moisturiser —a little amount goes a long way—easily absorbed—beautiful scent and definitely prolongs tan." Further praise comes from this buyer, who beams: " It's a holiday staple for me. I love the signature scent. It leaves skin feeling really hydrated and rubs in well, leaving no residue. I use it while I'm away and when I come home, and genuinely believe it makes my tan last longer." A third shopper says, "I love the smell, and it makes my skin feel well nourished. It's a must to keep your tan looking and feeling fresh!" This customer shares the same sentiments: "I received this in the subscription box last year and used it while on holiday. I continued using it when I got back and still use it every day now. I love this product; it leaves my skin feeling and looking so moisturised." And this customer agrees, writing: " Helps my tan last for months. Smells amazing and absorbs quickly, leaving my skin glowing." If you prefer to shop elsewhere or don't fancy splurging on the bundle, you can pick up one bottle Lancaster Golden Tan Maximizer After Sun Lotion on Amazon for £19.20 down from £28, or from Boots for £31.
The 42
2 days ago
- Sport
- The 42
Ireland camp the next hurdle for rising Connacht star Ben Murphy
ONE SEASON ENDS and another comes sharply into focus. Connacht played their last game of the 2024/25 season just over a month ago, and since then, Ben Murphy has been training away, watching the announcement of a new head coach in Stuart Lancaster before linking up with the Ireland squad in Abbotstown last week. 'There wasn't much of a break to be honest,' Murphy admits. 'In Connacht the Irish and Lions contingent have been training the way through to make sure we're in shape whether we got the call or not. I think I'd speak for the Ulster lads as well that we're ready to go.' Murphy speaking to the media in Abbotstown. Ben Brady / INPHO Ben Brady / INPHO / INPHO These are exciting times for the 24-year-old, who has previously been part of Ireland camps as a training panelist. The upcoming games against Georgia and Portugal provide an opportunity to win a first Test cap, with attack coach Mike Prendergast outlining the plan is for all squad members to see gametime, while Lancaster's arrival out west immediately raises expectations for Connacht next season. Advertisement Murphy, son of Ulster head coach Richie and brother of Ulster out-half Jack, knows Lancaster from his time in the Leinster Academy. The scrum-half, who also had a short spell at Munster, made 14 appearances for Leinster before joining Connacht last summer. The Bray native played 16 games for Connacht in his first season in Galway and ended the campaign as the province's men's player of the year – although his promising progress came in a team that slumped to a 13th place URC finish. 'I didn't feel we were too far away from being very good,' he says. 'And I think Stu has the ability to take us to that next step. He's been left a good foundation by the staff that were there last year but were ready to take that next step obviously next year. 'I had two years with him [Lancaster] when I was in the Leinster Academy. Any dealings I had with him, I've always had massive respect for him and I think you can see the development in the likes of a lot of the Lions who've gone in who've worked with him in Leinster. How he's brought them up from 19/20-year olds to now hopefully Lions internationals in a few weeks. 'He's very good not just on the pitch but off the pitch in building leadership skills and driving a team, so I'm looking forward to hopefully picking his brain a bit on that. Murphy caught up with Lancaster on the head coach's first day in Galway. Tom Maher / INPHO Tom Maher / INPHO / INPHO 'I'd met him briefly his first day (at Connacht) and had a quick chat with him. He outlined a couple of things that he wants to try and implement. It's all going to be massively exciting. I think they're starting in early July and hopefully get a good bit of groundwork done over pre-season.' As for his own ambitions, Murphy is hoping to carry his strong Connacht form into Ireland camp, admitting this window was at the back of his mind throughout the season. 'From the outside looking in it probably would have been far-fetched but I kind of felt that with the movements this year, Lions year and all that, that there was going to be an opportunity for a young scrum-half to come into the squad and I just wanted to put my best foot forward to be the one to be in that position. 'Thankfully I got an opportunity earlier with Connacht. I've managed to push forward and get into the squad, so delighted. 'Definitely it feels a little bit more comfortable (to being a training panellist) because you've had those experiences. Whether I was a training panellist or whether I'm in the normal squad you go out to train in the same way, try and earn your opportunity to play, that hasn't really changed. I suppose in that aspect it's been similar but I think those experiences have helped me.'
Al Jazeera
3 days ago
- Politics
- Al Jazeera
Trump is using 'diplomacy as a ruse' to strike Iran
Simon Mabon, a professor at Lancaster University, says Trump's decision to attack Iran, despite pending nuclear talks, makes it difficult for any country to trust the US.
BBC News
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Sheffield teenager bags 'best film' award for filmmaking debut
A 19-year-old student has scooped a top award in a competition to celebrate young Holt, from Sheffield, triumphed in the best film category 16-19 at the Into Film awards. Written as part of her A-Level coursework the film, No Dice, is described as an "hilarious comedy" that makes "great use of special effects, and shows that there's no age limit on having fun".Grace said: "It feels absolutely insane, I still can't really believe it - it feels a bit embarrassing, but also amazing." The film, centred around a Dungeons and Dragons-style fantasy role-play game, was shown at the Odeon Luxe in Leicester Square as part of the awards ceremony. Grace said others at the ceremony had given her "words of encouragement" about her future in the industry."At the very least, it might have put my name on the map a bit and given me a bit of a boost to keep making films - and making my skills better," she said."I really hope it'll help give me a little bit of a leg up too."Ms Holt, who is now studying at Lancaster University, said her family had been her "biggest supporters"."I'm so happy that they're supporting me, they're really, really incredible and cheered for me so hard." Listen to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds or catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
