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Daily Record
10-07-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Hamilton's Paralympic champion receives MBE from King Charles
Steph McGuire received the honour at a Holyrood ceremony where the King discussed his boccia gold medal and his work as a charity ambassador Hamilton hero Steph McGuire received the royal seal of approval for his golden Paralympic achievements as he was presented with his MBE medal by the King at Holyrood. The boccia star, who won a thrilling and much-celebrated gold medal at last year's Games in Paris, had his official investiture ceremony in Edinburgh after being recognised in the new year honours for his services to the sport and to young people. Steph was accompanied on the 'special day' by his family and coach and told how King Charles knowledgeably discussed his sporting achievements and his contribution as an ambassador for a muscular dystrophy charity. Congratulations poured in from hundreds of Steph's fellow Hamilton residents and from across Scotland as he crowned his two-decade sporting career by triumphing in the BC4 final at the Paris Paralympics last September, bringing home the gold medal from his fourth Games after three previous fourth-place finishes. His 'most sensational year' was crowned with news of his MBE award last December, and he travelled to the Palace of Holyroodhouse last week for the presentation – which saw him meet King Charles for a second time since his Paralympic win after having been invited to a glittering athletes' reception in London last year. Steph told the Hamilton Advertiser: 'It was amazing to meet the King again. I had met him previously when Paris gold medallists were invited to Buckingham Palace, and this time round it was more formal and a special day to celebrate with my family and coach. 'I was extremely fortunate to receive four guest tickets to help me celebrate on the day – my fiancee Michaela, parents Peter and Alison plus my brother Peter were able to attend and be in the room as I received the award from King Charles. 'The King came down from his podium to speak to me. We spoke about boccia and how long it has been in the Paralympics; he encouraged me to keep playing for as long as I keep enjoying the sport, and said that the Paralympic Games capture the hearts of the Great British public and I have played a key part in that. 'We then went on to discuss muscular dystrophy. King Charles was very knowledgeable about the condition and mentioned that his father, Prince Philip, was patron of Muscular Dystrophy UK for 50 years. 'We spoke about the condition, which affects both my brother Peter and I, for a few moments. King Charles was very generous with his time as we spoke for around five minutes, and during this time pinned the MBE on my chest and said he was proud of my achievements. 'The entire event lasted around three hours; after the ceremony we went to Holyrood Abbey for official photos and then met up with my coach, Claire Morrison, at Prestonfield golf resort for lunch and a celebration. 'It was a special day for me and my family. When I began playing boccia 21 years ago I never set out to be recognised this way, but it was amazing to celebrate the achievements of that journey with loved ones and also to promote the sport which has given me and my brother so much.' Steph called it a 'memorable and beautiful day', and was congratulated on receiving his MBE honour by sporting organisations Boccia UK and Scottish Disability Sport, as well as by hundreds of friends and supporters delighted to see him receive the royal recognition. Friends and supporters from his hometown shared their congratulations online, praising his 'outstanding achievement' and calling him a 'role model' and a 'Hamilton legend'. He told the Hamilton Advertiser last year how his Paralympic gold was 'a dream come true' after two decades of playing, competing and earning countless medals in boccia; which he took up alongside brother Peter, who was commentating live on television as Steph struck gold and shared his royal occasion at Holyrood. Following his 'sensational' Paralympic year, he was named para athlete of the year at the Scottish sports awards, received the prestigious Eric Liddell award and was celebrated by South Lanarkshire Council and made a fellow of New College Lanarkshire – as well as continuing his long-running work as an ambassador for Muscular Dystrophy UK including representing the charity at parliament. Steph – who is currently back in international action at the European boccia championships in Zagreb – previously told the Advertiser: 'My two biggest passions are para sport, and supporting muscular dystrophy and raising awareness about muscular conditions; and to be given the platform to do that is great. 'The MBE isn't just for me but for everybody who's supported me on my journey of 20 years' hard work. I want to thank my family and friends, coaches and team mates over the years as every single person has played a huge part in pushing me every day and allowing me to be the best version of myself, and everyone in Hamilton has always supported me and my brother.' And did you know Lanarkshire Live had its own app? Download yours for free here.
Yahoo
05-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Dad of Scottish boy with terminal illness forced to sell family home amid call for help
The parents of a Scottish boy with a rare condition have sold their home while shelling out thousands of pounds on his treatment. Six-year-old Jamie Tierney suffers from rare muscle wasting disease Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). His dad, also Jamie, has called on more support to help families with terminally ill children. The 33-year-old said making his family homeless was the best options amid the difficult circumstances they find themselves in. The family can put money from the sale towards treatment for Jamie. READ MORE: Exact time Edinburgh thunderstorm to hit over weekend as capital set for washout READ MORE: Holiday chaos as Edinburgh flights cancelled on second day of strikes However, dad Jamie believes there should be a body set up to support families navigate the difficulties a terminal diagnosis brings - from accessing benefits, to help with housing. Jamie, 33, from Dunfermline, says the family home became unsuitable for his son as they are now staying with different family members while they wait to hear if they will be given a council house, reports the Record. They receive support from the Muscular Dystrophy UK charity, and the NHS, as well as carers' allowance, but have to deal with each organisation individually, and Jamie believes a streamlined service would make it easier for families. Jamie's call for change comes after the family were denied the chance for Jamie junior to get a wonder medication which is provided free to the NHS. The family has headed abroad on a number of occasions for Jamie to receive treatment. Givinostat, a groundbreaking new life-extending treatment which slows the progress of the condition, has been cleared for use in the UK and is being used in England. But Scottish health boards have not given the drug to any patients through an early access programme, despite patients south of the border benefitting from it. Jamie said: "We sold our family home for many reasons - it was a townhouse with too many stairs, completely unsuitable for Jamie. We needed to find a way to give him independence. "Jamie's needs are increasing year by year. Our street is on a hill, and watching the kids play there breaks my heart - knowing Jamie can't join in this summer. "We need to keep money for future treatments and medical needs for Jamie. I think there should be supportive pathways for families who are in this situation and to aid them with options and help as currently we are jumping through hoops. "We were told we were the last family accepted on a clinical trial in the U.S. We were petrified but ready to move for Jamie. It fell through - we were devastated." Jamie's complex condition gradually weakens all the muscles in the body and affects one in 5,000 boys. It also has a life expectancy of around mid-20s. The family have travelled to both the US and Mexico in the search for potential treatment options as they have fundraised tirelessly through raffles and help from family and friends. Jamie added: "As of this Friday, we're technically homeless. We can't buy again. My wife had to give up work to care for Jamie, and I'm in the early stages of building a new business that just about keeps us afloat. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. "Housing are trying to help, but we're told we just meet the criteria of 'homeless'. Yes, we could rent privately but a suitable ground-floor property would cost double our old mortgage. "The system isn't built for families in extreme, complex situations and when you don't fit the system the system forgets you. How are families supposed to survive like this? I think there's certainly got to be some sort of help. "If we weren't in this situation my wife and I would both be working. She is no longer working and the stress and worry on your child's health affects your work. I'm in a first year start up struggling to support us. "If we had to go private rent it would financially cripple us. We are self funding Jamie's treatments with fundraising but fundraising has become harder and harder for us. We just feel sorry for other families in this situation. "There's families that are being affected every day. I wouldn't wish this on anyone. We would live on the streets for Jamie to be healthy, but the system doesn't seem to consider us." You can donate to their GoFundMe page here. The Scottish Government said: "We have every sympathy with the Tierney family and the hardships they're facing. We want disabled people and carers to get the support they are entitled to, making sure the application process is as straightforward as it can be. "Child Disability Payment is designed to mitigate some of the additional costs of caring for a disabled child or young person and we have a fast-track application route for people who have a terminal condition. "We have also transformed financial support for unpaid carers in Scotland, in recognition of the impact caring can have on a family's finances. "Local authorities will be provided with £15 billion this financial year for a range of services, including housing options services - an advice process councils use when someone approaches them with a housing problem."
Edinburgh Live
05-07-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Live
Dad of Scottish boy with terminal illness forced to sell family home amid call for help
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info The parents of a Scottish boy with a rare condition have sold their home while shelling out thousands of pounds on his treatment. Six-year-old Jamie Tierney suffers from rare muscle wasting disease Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). His dad, also Jamie, has called on more support to help families with terminally ill children. The 33-year-old said making his family homeless was the best options amid the difficult circumstances they find themselves in. The family can put money from the sale towards treatment for Jamie. However, dad Jamie believes there should be a body set up to support families navigate the difficulties a terminal diagnosis brings - from accessing benefits, to help with housing. Jamie, 33, from Dunfermline, says the family home became unsuitable for his son as they are now staying with different family members while they wait to hear if they will be given a council house, reports the Record. They receive support from the Muscular Dystrophy UK charity, and the NHS, as well as carers' allowance, but have to deal with each organisation individually, and Jamie believes a streamlined service would make it easier for families. Jamie's call for change comes after the family were denied the chance for Jamie junior to get a wonder medication which is provided free to the NHS. The family has headed abroad on a number of occasions for Jamie to receive treatment. Givinostat, a groundbreaking new life-extending treatment which slows the progress of the condition, has been cleared for use in the UK and is being used in England. But Scottish health boards have not given the drug to any patients through an early access programme, despite patients south of the border benefitting from it. Jamie said: "We sold our family home for many reasons - it was a townhouse with too many stairs, completely unsuitable for Jamie. We needed to find a way to give him independence. "Jamie's needs are increasing year by year. Our street is on a hill, and watching the kids play there breaks my heart - knowing Jamie can't join in this summer. "We need to keep money for future treatments and medical needs for Jamie. I think there should be supportive pathways for families who are in this situation and to aid them with options and help as currently we are jumping through hoops. "We were told we were the last family accepted on a clinical trial in the U.S. We were petrified but ready to move for Jamie. It fell through - we were devastated." Jamie's complex condition gradually weakens all the muscles in the body and affects one in 5,000 boys. It also has a life expectancy of around mid-20s. The family have travelled to both the US and Mexico in the search for potential treatment options as they have fundraised tirelessly through raffles and help from family and friends. Jamie added: "As of this Friday, we're technically homeless. We can't buy again. My wife had to give up work to care for Jamie, and I'm in the early stages of building a new business that just about keeps us afloat. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. "Housing are trying to help, but we're told we just meet the criteria of 'homeless'. Yes, we could rent privately but a suitable ground-floor property would cost double our old mortgage. "The system isn't built for families in extreme, complex situations and when you don't fit the system the system forgets you. How are families supposed to survive like this? I think there's certainly got to be some sort of help. "If we weren't in this situation my wife and I would both be working. She is no longer working and the stress and worry on your child's health affects your work. I'm in a first year start up struggling to support us. "If we had to go private rent it would financially cripple us. We are self funding Jamie's treatments with fundraising but fundraising has become harder and harder for us. We just feel sorry for other families in this situation. "There's families that are being affected every day. I wouldn't wish this on anyone. We would live on the streets for Jamie to be healthy, but the system doesn't seem to consider us." You can donate to their GoFundMe page here. The Scottish Government said: "We have every sympathy with the Tierney family and the hardships they're facing. We want disabled people and carers to get the support they are entitled to, making sure the application process is as straightforward as it can be. "Child Disability Payment is designed to mitigate some of the additional costs of caring for a disabled child or young person and we have a fast-track application route for people who have a terminal condition. "We have also transformed financial support for unpaid carers in Scotland, in recognition of the impact caring can have on a family's finances. "Local authorities will be provided with £15 billion this financial year for a range of services, including housing options services - an advice process councils use when someone approaches them with a housing problem."
Daily Record
04-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Dad of tragic Scots boy in government help call after selling home amid treatment nightmare
Jamie Tierney, whose son is terminally ill, has sold the family home. The dad of a tragic Scots boy has called for more help for families with terminally ill children - after selling their home while shelling out thousands of pounds on his treatment. Devoted dad Jamie Tierney believes there should be a body set up to help families navigate the difficulties a terminal diagnosis brings, from accessing benefits to help with housing and other issues. The 33-year-old, of Dunfermline, Fife, said he was forced to make his family homeless as it was the best option due to the difficult circumstances they find themselves in. They can put money from the sale of their home towards treatment for their six-year-old son, also Jamie, who suffers from rare muscle wasting disease Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). Jamie senior said the youngster's condition meant the family home had become unsuitable for him, and they are now staying with different family members as they wait to hear if they will be given a council house. They receive support from the Muscular Dystrophy UK charity, and the NHS, as well as carers' allowance, but have to deal with each organisation individually, and Jamie believes a streamlined service would make it easier for families. Jamie's call for change comes after the family were denied the chance for Jamie junior to get a wonder medication which is provided free to the NHS. The family has headed abroad on a number of occasions for Jamie to receive treatment. Givinostat, a groundbreaking new life-extending treatment which slows the progress of the condition, has been cleared for use in the UK and is being used in England. Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community! Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today. You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland. No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team. All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in! If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'. We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like. To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'. If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice. But Scottish health boards have not given the drug to any patients through an early access programme, despite patients south of the border benefitting from it. Jamie, 33, said: "We sold our family home for many reasons — it was a townhouse with too many stairs, completely unsuitable for Jamie. We needed to find a way to give him independence. " Jamie's needs are increasing year by year. Our street is on a hill, and watching the kids play there breaks my heart — knowing Jamie can't join in this summer. "We need to keep money for future treatments and medical needs for Jamie. I think there should be supportive pathways for families who are in this situation and to aid them with options and help as currently we are jumping through hoops. "We were told we were the last family accepted on a clinical trial in the U.S. We were petrified but ready to move for Jamie. It fell through — we were devastated." The family have headed to the United States and Mexico for treatments for Jamie, paid for with the help of fundraising from raffles and GoFundMe pages. The incurable muscle-wasting disease, which gradually weakens all muscles in the body, affects one in 5,000 boys and sees sufferers having a life expectancy of around mid-20s. Jamie added: "As of this Friday, we're technically homeless. We can't buy again — my wife had to give up work to care for Jamie, and I'm in the early stages of building a new business that just about keeps us afloat. "Housing are trying to help, but we're told we just meet the criteria of 'homeless'. Yes, we could rent privately — but a suitable ground-floor property would cost double our old mortgage. "The system isn't built for families in extreme, complex situations and when you don't fit the system the system forgets you. How are families supposed to survive like this? I think there's certainly got to be some sort of help. "If we weren't in this situation my wife and I would both be working. She is no longer working and the stress and worry on your child's health affects your work. I'm in a first year start up struggling to support us. "If we had to go private rent it would financially cripple us. We are self funding Jamie's treatments with fundraising but fundraising has become harder and harder for us. We just feel sorry for other families in this situation. "There's families that are being affected every day. I wouldn't wish this on anyone. We would live on the streets for Jamie to be healthy, but the system doesn't seem to consider us." You can donate to their GoFundMe page here. The Scottish Government said: "We have every sympathy with the Tierney family and the hardships they're facing. We want disabled people and carers to get the support they are entitled to, making sure the application process is as straightforward as it can be. " Child Disability Payment is designed to mitigate some of the additional costs of caring for a disabled child or young person and we have a fast-track application route for people who have a terminal condition. "We have also transformed financial support for unpaid carers in Scotland, in recognition of the impact caring can have on a family's finances. "Local authorities will be provided with £15 billion this financial year for a range of services, including housing options services – an advice process councils use when someone approaches them with a housing problem."
Yahoo
27-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Princess Diana's 'Caring Dress' sold for $520K, her Lady Dior handbag for $325K. See what else people bought from the late royal's largest wardrobe auction.
Hopeful bidders and fans of Princess Diana were given the opportunity of a lifetime on Thursday morning: To own garments worn and beloved by the late royal herself. The auction, 'Princess Diana's Style & A Royal Collection,' took place in Beverly Hills, Calif., on June 26, and featured more than 200 items that showcased the princess's 'enduring influence as a fashion icon and humanitarian,' Julien's Auctions, the famed auctioneer company, said. Those who attended the live auction at the Verandah Ballroom in the Peninsula Beverly Hills were able to place first bids on items from the rare collection, though bidding online and over the phone with an auction house representative was also available. A portion of the proceeds from the auction will benefit the British charity Muscular Dystrophy UK, according to the auction house. Among Diana's auctioned items is her Belville Sassoon 'Caring Dress,' which sold for $520,000, her Lady Dior lambskin handbag, which sold for $325,000 and her beloved British Lung Foundation sweatshirt, which sold for $221,000. 'This collection is not only the most comprehensive offering of her wardrobe ever presented, but also a tribute to her elegance, grace, glamour, and enduring spirit. Each item is a window into a moment in history,' Martin Nolan, Julien's co-founder and executive director, said in a statement ahead of the auction. Here's a look at some of Diana's most coveted wardrobe staples, along with how much they were auctioned for. Scottish milliner John Boyd designed this custom hat, made of silk, ostrich feather plumes, feather stems and straw, for Diana's 1981 honeymoon send-off outfit. The headpiece, which she wore again in 1983, was dyed light pink to match her Belville Sassoon skirt suit. Diana wore this limited-edition ostrich feather fan to the Fanmakers' Banquet at Mason House in 1985. Inscribed on the three-plume fan's sterling silver handle is the Prince of Wales crest. Diana was famously photographed wearing this magenta nylon suit while skiing in Malbun, Liechtenstein, in 1985; Klosters, Switzerland, in 1986; and Lech, Austria, in 1992. The suit, with its dropped shoulders and funnel neckline, also features brass tone buttons and adjustable D-ring belts. Diana wore this coordinating yellow floral set to the Royal Ascot in 1987. Designed by Bruce Oldfield, the colorful coordinates feature a short-sleeve silk top with ruched sleeves and a pencil skirt in the same print. Diana was photographed wearing this wardrobe staple — a silk, floral-printed dress designed by Belville Sassoon — nine times between 1988 and 1992. The bright blue garment, with its puffed sleeves and inviting print, was dubbed the 'Caring Dress' because Diana often wore it during her visits with patients in hospitals. "It was colorful, approachable, likeable and huggable," Nolan told People. "When she would go to visit kids and people in the hospital, they gravitated toward the colors and felt they could hug her.' The winning bid belonged to Renae Plant, who runs a virtual Princess Diana museum. Immediately after learning she'd won the garment, Plant fell to the floor out of excitement. Another staple in Diana's closet was her three-piece Escada suit. The grey cashmere ensemble features a double-breasted blazer with bright blue pinstripes as well as a matching skirt and blue silk blouse. Diana was photographed wearing the ensemble on six separate occasions from 1988 to 1992. Diana stepped out in a pair of red-and-black leather heels designed by Rayne on Christmas Day at Sandringham in 1990. For the festive occasion, Diana paired the two-tone pumps with a black, white and red houndstooth skirt suit by Moschino Cheap and Chic, along with a Victor Edelstein blouse and Phillip Somersville brimmed hat. Diana was first photographed carrying the black Lady Dior handbag on her official visit to Argentina in 1995, and then later that same year during a visit to the Foundation for Conductive Education in Birmingham, England. Because of Diana's love of the silhouette, the box-shaped tote was later named Lady Dior in 1996, in her honor. The sleeveless black cocktail dress, with its delicate black beading on the bodice and subtly ruched skirt, was worn by Diana on a few occasions. The late princess wore the Catherine Walker garment at London Fashion Week in 1994 and again during her official visit to Hong Kong in 1995. Diana was photographed in a navy wool Catherine Walker coatdress while leaving the Carlyle Hotel in New York in 1995. The double-breasted garment features a black velvet collar and cuffs, and is adorned with gold anchor buttons. Featuring a long gold link handle and embossed Prada logo, the champagne-hued leather tote was worn by Diana on three separate occasions, in Moscow in 1995, and Pakistan and Chicago in 1996. No one did a slouchy sweatshirt like Princess Diana. The beloved royal had a knack for blending glamour and athleisure when it came to curating her everyday style. Included in her collection of sweatshirts was this British Lung Foundation crewneck, which she wore on several occasions. Here she's photographed wearing the sweater — with a blazer, light denim jeans, brown riding boots and a navy cap — at Guards Polo Club in 1988.
