Boccia England’s Cup Play Offs North was held at Ponds Forge International on Saturday with participants competing to qualify for the final of the competition due to take place at the English Institute of Sports in May. Boccia England aims to promote participation in the sport and to help disabled athletes achieve their full potential. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
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!
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.
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.
Dozens of people travelled from Sheffield to London to take part in a national demonstration on Saturday to mark the United Nations international day against racism. Millions around the world are expected to take part in rallies and events in solidarity with victims of racism in a week of activities organised around the anniversary of the Sharpeville Massacre, 21 March 1960. The national demonstration comes just a week after anti terror police confirmed they are investigating a number of “Punish a Muslim Day” letters sent to different addresses. Baillor Jalloh reports for Sheffield Live!
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!
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.
The Green Party in Sheffield have announced that Cllr Robert Murphy will be their candidate in the upcoming election for the Sheffield City Region mayor. The news follows a recent ballot of party members. Azz Mohammed reports for Sheffield Live!
The Netherlands National Circus has arrived in Sheffield as part of a UK tour with a show featuring acrobats, clowns, illusion and pyrotechnics. The tour coincides with the 250th anniversary year for circus in the UK. Azz Mohammed reports for Sheffield Live!
To mark International Women’s Day 2018 a plaque was unveiled at the former women’s suffrage shop on Chapel Walk by Lord Mayor of Sheffield Anne Murphy. Azz Mohammed reports for Sheffield Live!