Health

Hundreds join Sheffield trees rally

Hundreds took part in a rally in Sheffield city centre to protest against the felling of trees under Sheffield Council’s Streets Ahead programme. The tree felling works are part of a £2.2 billion private finance initiative (PFI) contract awarded to Amey to resurface the city’s roads and pavements over the next 25 years. Sheffield Council say all the trees that have been marked to be cut down are either dead, diseased, dying or dangerous but campaigners claim many healthy trees have been felled unnecessarily. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Dozens take part in Tinsley charity race

Over 100 people took part in a 5k fun run, a 10K race, and a half marathon to raise money for breast, ovarian and prostate cancers and a charity supporting children with facial deformities. The event was held along the Tinsley Canal Towpath. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

World Autism Awareness Week celebrations

World Autism Awareness Week is seven days in which the public are encouraged to take part in activities across the country to raise awareness about autism. Schools, organisations and individuals are encouraged to to hold events across the country to talk about autism and to raise funds. Sheffield Live! reporter Baillor Jalloh spoke to Grace Parry about living with autism.

Smokefree Sheffield highlights the dangers of smoking through new campaign

Two men in Sheffield have become the face of a new campaign that highlight more reasons to quit smoking. Retired Paul Smith, from Netherthorpe, and security worker Mohammad Akram, who lives in Fir Vale, are hoping to persuade others to join them in quitting by focusing on not only on cancer and heart disease but other health impacts such as gum disease and yellow teeth, low energy, and the effects on senses like taste and smell. The campaign has been launched by Smokefree Sheffield. Azz Mohammed reports for Sheffield Live!

Stem cell treatment offers hope for MS sufferers

Sheffield doctors say stem cell transplants could be a game changer for many patients with multiple sclerosis following international trials including at Sheffield’s Royal Hallamshire Hospital. Results showed the treatment was able to stop the disease and improve symptoms. It involves wiping out a patient’s immune system using cancer drugs and then rebooting it with a stem cell transplant. Multiple sclerosis affects one in 600 people in the UK, with over 100,000 people diagnosed between the ages of 20 to 40, some with conditions becoming very severe. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Emma Reid, group coordinator for the MS society.

Theatrical turn to anti-fracking campaign

Anti-fracking campaigners organised a theatrical demonstration outside Sheffield Hall, to highlight dangers of fracking through costume and story-telling. Fracking to extract shale gas through hydraulic fracturing of rocks deep underground has faced strong opposition with some councils already pledged to be frack free and campaigners pressing the government to slow down the issue of fracking licences until the risks are fully understood. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Cameron Hall of Friends of the Earth.

Fire service opens doors to the homeless

South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service on Eyre street have announced their doors are opened to rough sleepers and those at risk of being on the street as cold winter weather returns this weekend. The city centre headquarters has been converted into a place to sleep since Friday and will remain so for the rest of the weekend. British Red Cross volunteers will be on hand to welcome people and provide hot drinks and snacks, with Framework’s Street Outreach Team and Sheffield City Council’s Housing Solutions service also present to help people access accommodation and support. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!

Spring clean campaign launched for Sheffield city centre

Sheffield Business and Improvement District has launched the BID Spring Clean, its annual campaign to tackle graffiti and litter in the city centre. Led by the Sheffield BID rangers, volunteers including members of the council met up in the rain to launch the six week campaign. Sheffield Live! reporter Azz Mohammed spoke to Diane Jarvis, Sheffield Bid manager.

Doodling draws a crowd for charity fundraiser

A new creative art and fundraising event Funk ‘n’ Doodle, hosted at The Albion pub on London Road, has raised over £7,000 for Mind, the mental health charity. The event, bringing people together to destress by doodling and dancing to a funky soundtrack of up and coming Sheffield DJ’s, is the debut promotion of Fellevents, a student-led arts collective. Nick Coleman reports for Sheffied Live! This report contains some flashing images.

Former refugee launches humanitarian charity

A former Liberian refugee, who came to Sheffield in 2004, has launched a charity organisation to support children in the UK and West Africa. The Akoi Massayan Bazzie – Give Hope Humanitarian Foundation (AMBG2H) aims to deliver humanitarian hope packages to support young people, families and communities affected by wars and natural disasters through public institutions such as medical centres, schools, orphanages, youth centres and prisons. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!