Revolutionary zinc oxide development could have a global environmental impact
Engineers have developed a sustainable way of making zinc oxide, a key ingredient in many products like sunscreen, batteries, tyres, and sensors.
The new technique, developed by researchers at the University of Sheffield and Imperial College London, is cost effective and much better for the environment as it requires 95% less energy than the current method.
The team was led by Dr Kyra Sedransk Campbell from the University’s Department of Chemical and Biological Engineering. She and Jason Hallett, a professor in Sustainable Chemical Technology at Imperial College, co-supervised Ph.D student Francisco Malaret for this project.
Dr Campbell explained that her focus in her research is how to make the world a better place.
She said: “I can see how much of a global environmental impact we can make, which matters.
“If I spend my whole career on that, then I will feel that I have done something good, which is something that drives me to do scientific research.”
The new process of making zinc oxide uses a “one-pot” method, compared to the traditional method which uses a 900C furnace.
Dr Campbell explained: “You add in the ingredients and change the environment and conditions around it. We use a lower temperature, water-based process.
“It doesn't have the same energy input requirement, so it’s better for the environment.”
She said: “It’s not complicated or expensive either, meaning we can produce it in large quantities, which is a hugely important factor when it comes to costs.
“We have to make a better quality product at a lower price point, and that's where our technology shows to be significantly better than it’s competition.”
In personal care products, such as sunscreens, it is essential to make a cost effective ingredient for products. Zinc-based sunscreens are currently very expensive, and cheaper sunscreens contain chemicals that are harming marine life. The aim to make a higher quality zinc oxide crystal at a lower price point is beneficial, as most people are unable to afford high-end products.
The three scientists have now launched a spin-out company Nanomax to commercialise the technique. The company is currently patent-pending but has already had discussions with many reputable companies, such as Tata and Liberty.
Dr Campbell explained: “We want to work with companies to deliver this new method, but similarly we can work with them to help produce high quality products. We’ve started on this with sunscreen manufacturing; had some interest with new zinc-based batteries, and we are engaging with Dunlop for their tyres.”
She said: “We’re now part of the Imperial Venture Mentor Scheme. We have two mentors who are helping us navigate this next phase of the company, which is to scale-up in delivery and find partners.
“It’s all well and good developing a method but if you don’t take it to a commercial place then it won’t actually make a global impact.”
The company is focused on manufacturing the active zinc oxide ingredient, as well as reducing the impact manufacturing has on the environment by replacing outdated technologies.
She said: “We actually formed the company so we could do a Climate-KIC, which is a competition for clean energy companies. We came in second place in England.
Dr Campbell explained that her team of researchers are using the process on recycled zinc, meaning no significant environmental footprint. Nanomax will be working alongside companies like British Steel by separating the zinc out of their waste stream.
She said: “Any process requiring a new material has an impact on your entire environmental footprint. So, we’re trying to change it. We’re not mining anything new for our process.
“Everyone is talking about the manufacturing of new sunscreen, which is so important. But the bigger picture is that the process itself has the potential to deliver this circular economy, and the process can be used for other materials too.”
Rugby Sevens Olympic dream reignited by Lottery funding lifeline
After months of uncertainty, England Rugby Sevens have been handed a short-term lifeline thanks to National Lottery Funding, which will enable them to compete as part of the Great Britain squad at the Tokyo Olympics. The 2016 Rio Olympics provided plenty of highlights, but one of them could arguably be the debut of Rugby Sevens at the event. The fast-paced matches and end to end action was something that caught the eye and made for an excellent watch. With only seven players per team, and each game lasting 14 minutes, it is unique to any other format of rugby. England won the first ever seven-a-side tournament to feature national teams in 1973, as well as winning the inaugural World Cup twenty years later. The nation has also produced record holders in the sport, with Ben Gollings scoring the most points ever on the Sevens Series, whilst Dan Norton has scored the most tries. Even though the stars of the sport may not be household names, they have achieved success on the international stage. In the last five years, the men’s GB side have won an Olympic Silver medal in Rio, as well as a third-place finish for England at the 2018 Commonwealth games, whilst the women’s also brought home a bronze medal from the Gold Coast competition. They have also competed in the HSBC World Series since 1999, coming head-to-head with some of the best sides in the world. Despite this, the future of the sport was plunged into danger last year after the RFU decided to stop funding the program, following the Covid-19 pandemic and the postponement of the Olympics. In the months that followed, the lives of the players were turned upside down, both professionally and personally. Fortunately, with the help of National Lottery funding, a Great Britain team will compete at this summer’s Tokyo games.
Dan Bibby, who was part of the team that won silver at the 2016 Olympics in Rio de Janeiro, feels the team deserved more, after being told the program was being cut over video call. He said: “After playing for nine years and giving so much, it was weird to hear the news over Zoom. From the business side of things, I understand, but I feel we could’ve been treated a lot better. There’s always a place to be kind, and I think they failed with that." “It made me sad that it could’ve been over, and that’s how my career would’ve ended. For some of the lads, it is the end of their journey, and they won’t get another shot at the Olympics.”View this post on Instagram
Dan Bibby in training for Team GB.
During his time off from rugby, Bibby stepped up as a full time stay at home dad, which he jokes at times was tougher than pre-season training. “It has been good and bad,” he laughed. “It definitely tested my patience and mentally prepared me for this. My four-year-old is really into sword fighting, so I’ve got some scars on my fingers.” The extra time at home has prompted Bibby to think about his future beyond the Tokyo games. “I think it will be my last Olympics, travelling has taken its toll, I’ve been selfish for a long time. I have a young family, so I don’t want to be missing out and it’s hard to leave them." “The pandemic has taught me I need something after rugby, and to have that drive will make me a better parent. I can now be in the moment a lot more and enjoy this time to focus.” Whilst Bibby’s professional rugby career could come to a close at the end of the summer, the Olympics are only the start for another player who hopes to be competing in Tokyo. Women’s bronze medallist, Holly Aitchison says she is excited for the tournament and is prepared for anything that comes her way.Amazing to be a part of @TeamGB highest medal winning team! It's an experience I will never forget! #teamgb #Rio2016 pic.twitter.com/zqeHG8kUtj
— Daniel Bibby (@dbibby15) August 22, 2016
Holly Aitchison in action for England (credit: England Rugby)
The 23-year-old is confident about Britain’s chances in this summer’s competition and delighted that the ‘family’ they have built has not been torn apart. “As England we were the top ranked team in 2019 so why shouldn’t we shoot for gold. I know it sounds cliched, but if you don’t aim for something, how can you hope to achieve it?" Whilst England have been successful on the world stage, coming together as a British squad will provide a new challenge. “One strength is, no one has ever seen this group play before, so won’t know what to expect. We have grown to be sisters, who were torn apart, but are now reunited. The Olympics will be the icing on the cake after a difficult but rewarding year.”View this post on Instagram
Aitchison has also set her sights on 15s rugby and competing at the Women’s Rugby Union World Cup, after a partial switch to union through her move to Saracens last year. “It’d be the pinnacle of any athletes career to go to an Olympics and a World Cup in the space of a year. Saracens have been really accommodating, and amazing when I need to go to training camps. It is the best move I could’ve made, I love it.” Rugby Sevens still remains part of her long-term plans, with the 2022 Birmingham Commonwealth games also round the corner. “To be at a home games would be amazing. Whilst I’d be excited to go to a World Cup, there are other focusses on the horizon.” Aitchison believes it is “massively important” that women’s rugby sevens has been given this lifeline, due to the positive impact it can have on young girls and society as a whole. “It can highlight what future generations can do in rugby, because when I was 14 or 15 my teacher laughed at me for wanting to be a professional player." “One of my teammates says, ‘if you can’t see something then you can’t be it,’ so if rugby can echo what women's sport is achieving in football, then it would have a massive effect.”View this post on Instagram
Bolehills BMX is a track for everyone: “It’s not about the bike, it’s about the rider”
The popularity of Bolehills BMX track skyrocketed after BBC coverage last week, with bikers and residents eager to see its new renovations. The recent buzz around the track helped the volunteers who take care of it with their campaign to raise money to improve the site. Ben, a 16-year-old BMXer and frequent visitor to the track, said: "I think they could extend it a bit more. Just to over that bit, but it’s good for all ages, it is really good capability for people. "It’s just fun, you just get like exhilaration out of doing the jumps and it’s just something to do to get out of the house, rather than being stuck in and just get some exercise. "All my friends do it and they got me into it. It’s quite near my house and I’ve been coming for quite a few years, but since lockdown it is getting really busy. It’s quite special, because it used to be completely different. It used to be a BMX racing track. It has all changed". On their website, the Sheffield Dirt Society, responsible for the improvements, said they are planning on building a pumptrack extension on the unused space. They also plan to use dirt to provide "a safe and smooth ride and easier and cheaper maintenance". However, not only riders use the space, and for Sheffield residents who prefer more relaxed activities there is more that could be done. Cindy, a 26-year-old resident, said: "I think it is good for people to come here and use the site for the bicycles and everything but it is not good if you want to walk your dog, for example. There has been a couple of occasions where…my dog didn’t do it, but another dog just ran towards the area because it’s quite open, there’s no barrier or anything. "I think if they have some sort of barrier here, where, for example, pedestrians or dogs wouldn’t go easily to the other side. That would be the biggest improvement". Seb, 47, visits frequently with his children and is very happy with how the site is managed, but said he has had a few concerns about the trees. "I walk the dog here everyday and the BMX track is important because my kids go there and I sometimes ride there as well, not so much these days, but it’s brilliant, a really important space," he said. "It looks to me like they are doing a great job on keeping it in good shape. I was a little worried about the trees that they planted here, only because when my children were younger, they would both play on the track and I would worry about not being able to hang back here with the dog and keep an eye on the kids, so if you have a lot of trees there, that it kind of makes a barrier. That’s the only thing." Bolehills track carries many memories, which its visitors hope the redevelopment will retain, even if some are less than pleasant. "One time I came down here quite fast and I went up to this ramp and I went over it. I was trying to do a transition from the sides and I went straight over and just slid right over. That was quite a bad experience here", said Ben. With different parts for all kinds of riders, the track is divided into sections, some easier, some a bit more advanced. The pumptrack in the middle is most suited to novice riders, because it offers a place for people to develop their pumping skills before attempting the bigger jumps. Ben urges everyone to try the course: "Definitely try it! One hundred percent. It doesn’t matter what bike you got it is always going to be good. If your bike is bad, if it is good, you can still do the same thing. It’s not about the bike, it’s about the rider". If you would like to contribute to the renovations go their website and make a donation.
The World Championships: Snooker’s Cathedral Welcomes Back its Congregation
After two years without its devoted congregation, The Crucible, snooker's cathedral, has been able to welcome them back, albeit, at a reduced capacity for this year's Snooker World Championships. For something that was largely the norm since time immemorial, it is remarkable that in just twelve COVID-ravaged months the idea that a crowd might attend a sporting event in the UK has become something of a fantastical concept. However, the unfathomable has become a reality, as fans have slowly but joyously returned to a smattering of sports venues to take in the action they have been absent from since last March. With the commencing of this year's World Championships in mid-April, World Snooker was permitted to allow fans into the Crucible as one of a number of pilot schemes to re-integrate fans back into sport and due to its success so far, the initial 33% capacity limit was this week raised to half. For the quarter and semi-finals, the capacity will be raised to 75% and then there is the tantalising prospect that the final will be able to operate with a full capacity crowd. The restrictions and regulations in place at this year's tournament mean it will be rather different from World Championships gone by, nevertheless, those in and around The Crucible still exude an infectious enthusiasm for the sport they so obviously adore.
"I'm over the moon to be here."
Heather Hills has been attending the World Championships for over thirty-five years and after the disappointment of missing out on last year's tournament, she is thrilled to be back at The Crucible. "I'm extremely excited, I'm over the moon to be here, I can't wait to get in there and take in the atmosphere, I've been coming here since 1985 and the minute I walk in I feel excited, you never know what's going to happen, every shot is a thrill." The Sheffield theatre has provided Heather with some of her most treasured memories and she cites the 1991 World Championship final as one that she particularly cherishes. "I queued outside for hours and hours to see John Parrot as I was a massive fan and I eventually managed to get a ticket to see him lift the World Championship, it was amazing. "I even managed to fight my way through the bodyguards to shake his hand." Of course, with The Crucible being among the first venues in the country to host a crowd, question marks have naturally been raised over the safety of those in and around the theatre and such fears were heightened by Ronnie O'Sullivan's complaint that he was 'harassed' by a 'boozed-up' fan. However, despite such concerns, Heather is confident in the safety measures in place. "I wasn't at all concerned, I've been in contact with friends who have already been and they say its very organised and very safe.""It's an event we cherish"
Andy, a steward at The Crucible, shares Heather's confidence in the safety measures in place and is simply grateful that this year's tournament has a resemblance of normality. "I wasn't really apprehensive, when I got the call. "All the staff are tested every three days, the players are tested, everyone who has purchased tickets have to show a negative test so I think its as safe as it can be." His role as a steward has been rendered obsolete amid the pandemic due to the lack of fans, and this has meant he has spent much of the last year wishing to be back amongst a crowd. "It's really good to see fans return. We work all events like the football at both Wednesday and United so I've essentially been out of work since March when everything shut down, so it is nice to see a return to some normality." Like many other Sheffielders, Andy takes pride in the fact that his city plays host to the snooker every year and relishes the spring-time when the world of snooker descends on South Yorkshire. "It's a great event to have here, there's been talk of taking it away and I would be really gutted if they ever did because it's an event we cherish.""I've got the best job in the world."
Jim Cemlyn-Jones, a freelance cameraman, has been covering the snooker at Sheffield for various television channels since 2005 and over the years he has accrued a wealth of memories that would be the envy of any snooker fan. "I do love a Ronnie match, he's absolutely brilliant but one of my favourite matches was the [Judd] Trump v [John] Higgins final back in 2011, it was an amazing atmosphere that day." That year, John Higgins triumphed over Judd Trump after an enthralling final that was neck-and-neck until the former ultimately pull away in the final frames. Jim also highlighted last year's semi-final as another stand-out memory that matched the 2011 final for drama. "The [Kyren] Wilson and [Anthony] McGill semi-final last year was a stunning match and McGill's someone who I think will do well this year." "Its just a great tournament, I'm very lucky, I've got the best job in the world." COVID has meant Jim has been filming various competitions in empty venues and fortunately the prospect of being among a crowd is not one that is of concern to him. "I wasn't really nervous, I'm probably fortunate because I've had my first jab and that's given me confidence." "It's also been very well run, credit to World Snooker."
Northern Gritstone: Top Northern universities come together to launch £500 million investment fund
A group of the country’s "technological powerhouse" universities have launched a new investment company to support start-ups in the north of England.
The Universities of Sheffield, Leeds and Manchester have said they aim to raise up to £500 million to fund companies in the areas of manufacturing, health and life sciences, artificial intelligence, and data sciences.
Start-ups eligible for funding will either be businesses that were formed as spinouts from the university or companies with historical links to one of the three institutions.“The company aims to be a key part of the government’s ‘Build Back Better’ levelling up agenda and ‘Plan for Growth’ in the North,” a statement from the University of Sheffield said.
Money will be raised through investment from “strategic corporate partners institutional investors and qualifying individuals”
Professor Dave Petley, Vice President for Innovation at the University of Sheffield said: “Northern Gritstone is the culmination of a great deal of hard work and collaboration between three of the country’s leading research universities, but we are just at the beginning of a project that has immense potential for everyone, from investors to researchers.”
If successful in raising its £500 million target, Northern Gritstone will be one of the largest dedicated investors into the commercialisation of university science and technology related Intellectual Property in the UK.
Jane Madeley, the University of Leeds’ Chief Financial Officer, who will represent the University as a non-executive director on Northern Gritstone’s board, said: “Leeds and our fellow founding universities are technological powerhouses, pursuing research and innovation that has the potential to help tackle some of the biggest challenges facing the world.
"But a lack of capital investment has sometimes limited that capability – Northern Gritstone will go a long way to help release this pent-up potential.”
Insight, Entertainment, Connection: Sheffield’s Short Film Festival
Despite cinemas being closed across the world and award ceremonies moving online, the Sheffield Short Film festival has entered into its second year with much of the film industry in crisis.
The festival celebrates short film from the UK to Japan and in languages ranging from German to Persian. It held its inaugural festival last year and attempts to bring short films to the attention of Sheffield audiences.
Tessa Hoffe's Majority is a film about a single mother and immigrant who is a warden in a sheltered accommodation unit where a resident complains about her.
She said: "The idea really sparked from a mum at my local school. She had just come from a meeting at a sheltered accommodation unit where her grandfather was when a fight broke out, where they were all against a particular resident, and didn't want the resident there. That kind of started the idea of a small community not liking outsiders and it sort of just grew from there."
Short films present unique challenges to filmmakers. With limited resources and time to make things work, many people on set do multiple jobs. For example, Majority was shot over a period of two days.
Hoffe said the festival provided a platform from which to grow the audience of the film: "Its so local, and even though I'm not British, its a British film, so people get it here and they see it in their communities."
Majority is currently available to watch on BBC iPlayer.
Another entry into the festival is Nicky Larkin's film Abomination, chronicling the creation of the Belfast Ensemble who created an opera from the homophobic statements made by the Democratic Unionist Party (DUP) over the past few decades, coinciding with the legalising of same-sex marriage in Northern Ireland.
The idea behind the opera group formed after a homophobic attack in Belfast in 2008, which led to DUP MP Iris Robinson giving an interview on BBC Ulster in which she condemned the attack but said: "Homosexuality, like all sin, is an abomination."
Larkin said: "I just thought that this was an incredible story to tell, a historic moment in Northern Irish history and also a fascinating opera. Just a mad idea. So I decided to document it."
"The LGBT community in Northern Ireland feel persecuted because there is a party in government who fundamentally disagree with their right to exist and routinely come out with the most hateful sort of statements."
Larkin submitted his film to the Sheffield Film Festival as he was interested in exploring the film world outside of London and he felt it was important to show people in England what was happening in Northern Ireland with a narrative that was away from the standard narrative of The Troubles.
As with other award ceremonies this year, the festival has moved online and is set to be held between the 17th and 23rd May 2021, with tickets being sold for £5. The tickets will allow people to watch any of the films shortlisted for awards and all the industry events.
Awards are given to films in a style similar to awards shows like the BAFTAS; in 2020, awards were given out for the Best UK film, Best International film, and Best Queer Film, among others.
There are over 50 films in the festival waiting to be judged, from award winners to new independent filmmakers trying to get their big break in the industry. The entries are as diverse in format as they are in location, with animations, documentaries, and dramas present in the festival.
The jury is made up of filmmakers and producers such as Nosa Eke, Rob Speranza, Debbie Howard, and Berwyn Rowlands.
Tickets are available here.
Semi-final showdown confirmed following Sheffield Steelers victory against Manchester Storm
The Sheffield Steelers are gearing up for tomorrow's semi-final playoffs following an impressive 3-5 win last night against the Manchester Storm. Having completed the round-robin stage of the 2021 Elite Series, the two teams will face off again tomorrow night. Thanks to an early goal from Kevin Schulze, timed at only 33 seconds, and two further polished strikes from Jonathan Phillips and Sam Jones, the Steelers victory was cemented after some determined fightback from the Storm. With Steelers key-player John Muse unable to play, still suffering from ongoing injuries, the pressure was on for the Sheffield team, but Ben Churchfield did a fantastic job holding the defence line following promising goals from the Storm's Dallas Ehrhardt. For the Storm, it was a disappointing result, and one they had hoped to reverse to avoid playing Sheffield, a team going from strength-to-strength, in the playoffs on Tuesday night. The Sheffield Steelers were delighted with the team's victory, sharing their delight with remote fans across social media:
🍊📸
The face of a team finishing top of the table 📸 @woolster80 pic.twitter.com/53FtHgijnX — Sheffield Steelers | #2021EliteSeries (@steelershockey) April 25, 2021
"We've got to have some momentum going into the playoffs and buckle down here for the last two. Hopefully we can come away with the points and have some momentum going into the playoffs, said Steelers player Joshua Waller, in advance of Sunday's game. "I've really enjoyed my time here - it's a great set up they have got and also the way they play. I have enjoyed my time here and we will see what the future holds. The 2021 Elite Series is the UK's professional ice hockey league and the leading of ice hockey competition in the country. The playoff between the Sheffield Steelers and Manchester Storm will take place on 27 April at 8.30pm.🍊We told you earlier that there would be a lot more of this - we were right.
See you on Tuesday - #BleedOrange pic.twitter.com/L78Qjv2h4b — Sheffield Steelers | #2021EliteSeries (@steelershockey) April 25, 2021
We. Are. In. https://t.co/55qVLn3cJt pic.twitter.com/EzaTrRmwFW
— Sheffield Steelers | #2021EliteSeries (@steelershockey) April 25, 2021
Solace in sound healing: Meet Sheffield handpan player Zan
For someone well-known for performing in Sheffield’s busiest parks, Zan, a handpan player who “takes people on a sound journey,” is surprisingly shy. Sitting down with Sheffield Wire’s Libby Shaw and Georgina Quach amongst a leafy backdrop, she opened up about her curious journey from handywoman to sound healer.
“As humans, we're always vibrating and it's all energy and it's very powerful,” says Zan. Ever since giving up her 20-year job as a painter-decorator, she has been harnessing the power of music for sound healing, both to comfort others and to keep herself grounded in a fast-changing world. “I have big gongs. Very big ones.”
Meeting Zan
Enveloped in spring blossom and sunshine, Zan was also wrapped up in the melodies which reverberated around her. Zan’s hands delicately danced on the handpan as crowds in the Botanical Gardens looked on. Although passers-by were enthralled by her handpan playing, Zan did not make any pretense of being an expert. She insists she has so much more technical artistry to learn, and her beginner attempts only sound good to those with untrained ears.
“The hardest part, in terms of technique, is making this hand do something different to this one,” said Zan, gesturing. “Your left always wants to follow your right.”
“If you do not do a course or you do not have some kind of knowledge from someone who knows how to play, you are quite limited. It sounds beautiful, but to progress and to create harmonies and your own compositions, it is a different field,” she says. Zan has begun weekly handpa classes held online. 
As well as in the Botanical Gardens, Sheffield residents typically see her playing in Bole Hills, Endcliffe Park and Forge Dam Park. While immersing is important to her practice, she shies away from attention. “I love people, but at a distance,” she laughs.
Inspiration from travels
“The first handpan I had ever heard was in Barcelona, about 15 years ago,” said Zan. “It captured me then when I was traveling and I couldn't buy one because it's quite delicate and they're not easy to transport. So then it just kind of went out of my head.”
With some handpans costing over a £1000, the financial investment was also a barrier, according to Zan. Two years ago, she finally decided to save up and try it herself, turning to YouTube tutorials for learning the basics.
Zan was born in Puglia, Italy. “My mum is English, she's from Rotherham and most of my schooling was in Sheffield. Growing up, our family was always coming and going -- a bit like a gypsy family. Now, I would live a few years here, go somewhere else and then come back here. I don't usually live in England. I’m away a lot,” she said.
Lockdown has proved a struggle for Zan, a nomadic wanderer who is used to experiencing different cultures. “I'm just kind of trying to stay grounded and where I am at the moment.”
One of Zan’s former dwellings was in the small and rural isle of Gozo, a tranquil retreat nestled in the backwater of its sister island Malta.
“This has been my first year stuck in England, which has been lovely and I have met a lot of beautiful people." Zan collaborates with Deva Wild, a Kundalini yoga teacher from Sheffield, on restorative retreats, which are held in undisclosed locations.
“The retreats in drumming,” explains Zan. “You go into a state of total relaxation and the gong specially works on a cellular level, so it kind of changes the structure from inside.”
Ms Raj said: “We spend so much of life being stimulated, taking in information and trying to balance life. These events allow education of who you are and how you work.
“They give you the time and space to integrate and process your life. The art of awareness invites presence into your life.”
Stepping back from a money-driven world A retired self-employed painter-decorator, Zan was used to directing her own occupations in life. “I used to work with an ex partner of mine and we had a really good thing going on because she's female. So the clients were really interested in having just women in the house, especially female clients,” said Zan. When the business died down, she embarked on sound therapy. “I was meant to be on a course last year to become a sound therapist but it was cancelled twice.” The certificate is needed if she hopes to work in other areas, such as in care homes and hospices.
Sound healing works from the belief that everything has its own innate vibration and frequency. When these vibrations are out of sync or there is dissonance, sound therapy is a way of bringing them back into alignment. According to the proponents of this therapy, the lower or more discordant the vibration, the more the disturbance and ‘dis-ease’.
Considered an alternative therapy, sound therapy uses specific vibrational frequencies to heal or support the treatment of various physiological, mental and emotional conditions.
Zan does not earn money from her sound healing. “For me, it is not a job because I do not receive payment and I don't like this money thing...I'm trying to get away from that. I know we need it."
“At the moment, I just do it voluntarily, you know, and receive other things. You know, I got free yoga classes and other things besides money.” Like the gentle muttering noises swirling through the handpan, this philosophy flows into everything she does, with each melody becoming more sacred as it heals.
By Libby Shaw and Georgina Quach
Empowered epileptic woman to run London Marathon for Epilepsy Action
Determined not to allow her epileptic seizures to quash her dream, one Sheffield woman is training for the London Marathon to raise money for the charity who have given her nine years of support.
Diagnosed with generalised epilepsy aged 21, Lucy Osborne, now 30, has been striving to compete in the race for years and has finally claimed a spot running for Epilepsy Action in October 2021.
"You’re at the prime of your life at 21 and it felt like a restrictor. It’s hard because when you’re at that age, the loss of control that you have when you’re having a fit, it’s not the most dignifying thing to experience," said Miss Osborne, who lives in Handsworth.
She added: "Epilepsy does take a toll on your life. I have absent seizures that happen quite frequently throughout the week so they can be two to three minutes and I have a dazed look. I can just be staring at a computer screen and no one would ever know.
"With my full fits, I don’t have a memory two hours before and two hours afterwards, so any discussions or conversations I seem to forget and I sleep for the rest of the day.
"Epilepsy Action really helped me understand the condition and made me see how it doesn’t define you as a person, you can go out there and do what you need to but you just have some restrictions."
Now in her sixth week of training, Miss Osborne has created a 29-week exercise schedule involving three runs and gym strengthening sessions over seven days.
Miss Osbourne's mum, Tracy Benson, 58, a procurement purchase specialist with the NHS said: "I don’t think epilepsy has the awareness that it deserves. I think it’s one of those that’s maybe left on the back burner a little bit so it’s great that she’s increasing the awareness of this charity.
"Lucy is very focused and very determined that she’s going to do it. I’m absolutely thrilled to bits that she’s running it."
Cautious of running alone in case of experiencing a seizure, Miss Osborne wears a watch with GPS and a tracking application enabling her mum to see where she is via email.
The future marathon-runner revealed she was on edge about the event but did not wish to be distracted by worry, stating her medical bracelet would alert others to her condition if a fit were to occur.
A spokesperson from Epilepsy Action said: "There are over 600,000 people living with epilepsy in the UK. But even in the 21st century, assumptions, fears and lack of knowledge persist.
"We are delighted that Lucy has chosen to run the London Marathon for Epilepsy Action and to fundraise in our name. We are so pleased to have helped her during her epilepsy journey, and we are rooting for her every step of the way. Every penny raised will go towards improving the lives of people with epilepsy in the UK."
Click here to find out more about Miss Osborne's story and fundraiser page.
Trail of bear sculptures arrives in Sheffield for fundraising event
The sculptures of 160 bears will walk Sheffield's streets for a fundraising event this summer. The Bears of Sheffield sculpture trail raises money for the Sheffield’s Children’s Hospital, supporting the cancer and leukaemia ward. The department, as one of twenty principle treatment centres in the UK, is in need of funds which help care for children with cancer and leukaemia as well as patients who have other blood problems including inherited disorders. The event intends to attract more donations. Local businesses, organisations, and families will sponsor 60 big bears. Local schools, nurseries, and colleges will raise funds and decorate 100 little bears. The Westways Primary School held the River Team Fun Run as the first fundraising event for the Bears of Sheffield last Friday. Charles Hollamby, Head of Westways Primary School, explained: “This is a fantastic opportunity to make a difference to a charity not only close in proximity to the school, but close to our hearts.” They have raised over £7,500 from the event up to now. "The enthusiasm of our pupils on Friday for the River Team Fun Run was wonderful to behold - not only have they raised an incredible amount of money but they also had lots of fun and enjoyed getting active!" Hollamby added.
The student of Westways Primary School are taking part in the River Team Fun Run
"Although bears might be named grizzly, bears are gentle and tolerant by nature. They can be empathetic, joyful, playful, and social in character."
Carfield Ted
"Nano" bear, designed by Roanna Wells
Beat the Street: Council to encourage families to exercise by turning city into a playground
Sheffield is to be turned into a "giant game" as a free council initiative aims to get more families active this summer.
Beat The Street wants to encourage communities to "walk, cycle, run, scoot and roll” across the city between June 16 and July 28.
Lamp posts across Sheffield will have ‘Beat Boxes’ installed on them which players can scan to earn points.
Schools, community groups and businesses are encouraged to sign up and compete to earn the most points.
It is hoped this will encourage entire communities to become more active and inspire lasting behavioural change.
https://twitter.com/BTSSheffield/status/1377214232417206275Dr William Bird, CEO and founder of Intelligent Health who developed Beat the Street, said: “If we want to improve the health and wellbeing of the country we need to be ambitious, provide a clear narrative to get people active and support them on their journey.
"Physical activity has more health benefits than any other single intervention and is the means to a healthy community.”
Cllr Mary Lea, Sheffield City Council Cabinet member for Culture, Parks and Leisure stated the game will also encourage families to swap cars for greener forms of transport.
She said: “We need to make life easy for people to take up cycling, walking or using public transport and that can only be achieved incrementally.
“Through initiatives such as these we encourage people to walk and cycle more instead of using cars. It’s a great way of inspiring people to be healthy both in the short and long-term.”
New community-focused pet food bank to launch in Sheffield
Plans to create a food bank for Sheffield's starving pets have taken off after one resident posted the idea on Facebook. Alison Smith came up with the idea late in the evening on Sunday 25 April. Since then the Sheffield Pet Food Bank page has over 90 followers. Ms Smith opened the page saying: "Sadly, lots of people are having to make this call [to not feed their pets] and this has been made even worse by the pandemic. "[The food bank] ultimately will prevent abandonment, abuse and the need for pets to be put into re-homing centres that are already over subscribed with abandoned animals." In 2020 the RSPCA said about 40 pets a day are being abandoned across England and Wales. Animal charity Dogs Trust warned in June 2020 up to 40,000 dogs could be at risk of abandonment in the fallout of the coronavirus crisis. Dogs Trust Chief Executive Owen Sharp said: “In these extraordinary times we know that circumstances can change in a heartbeat. The sad reality is that in times of financial hardship many people struggle to cope with looking after their pets, and the number of abandoned dogs has gone up. We saw this in 2008, and we’re extremely concerned that history could repeat itself in the coming months."
Credit: Sheffield Pet Food Bank