Latest news with #BBCSunderland
Yahoo
12-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
'Showing hidden disability through my son's eyes'
A mother has produced a series of photographs aimed at showing through her son's eyes what it is like growing up with a hidden disability. Bo Willow Harris took the images for her final project at the University of Sunderland in the hope it would help help more children like Hendrix be seen and understood. The six-year-old has development delay, but the underlying cause has not been found and was "baffling the medical world", Mrs Harris said. "It's just become a mystery." The 10 black and white pictures which make up the exhibit try to capture the challenges Hendrix faces daily. Hendrix struggles with his speech and his growing-up milestones - like sitting and walking - developed later. But so far, there has been no definite diagnosis. "We're in limbo still and it's been like that for six and a half years," Mrs Harris said. "It is important to have a diagnosis just so I can help Hendrix and guide him throughout life." An image showing sand slipping though Hendrix's fingers aimed to depict how children could fall through the system, the mother-of-two said. She believes more respite options are needed for parents of disabled children. "I think it's forgotten about how it impacts parents, as well as the child, and the other child in the household." Motherhood inspired a lot of Mrs Harris's projects, as she balanced childcare and coursework while grieving for her mother who died in 2023. "Having to juggle the grief, as well as young children, as well as a disabled child, as well as no childcare, it's been a whole whirlwind," she said. Mrs Harris, who is from Middlesbrough, but has lived in Sunderland since 2008, said Hendrix visited the exhibition, called Not Knowing But Growing, and after his initial surprise started smiling and pointing to the wall. "I don't think I'll ever stop worrying about him and I try not to think too far into the future," she said. "One of the hardest things about being a parent with a disabled child is you question things constantly." Follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. 'There are so many hidden costs to raising a disabled child' Pupils left 'humiliated' by school's lanyard rules University of Sunderland
Yahoo
07-06-2025
- Yahoo
Attempted murder arrests after boy, 15, stabbed
Three teenagers have been arrested on suspicion of attempted murder after a 15-year-old boy was stabbed in a country park. The boy was found injured on Margaret Terrace in New Herrington, Sunderland at about 18:10 BST on Friday, Northumbria Police said. He was taken to hospital for treatment and his injuries were described as not life-threatening. Two boys, aged 16, and one girl, 15, are being questioned in police custody. Ch Supt Nicola Walker said the force believed the boy was stabbed in Herrington Country Park. She appealed for witnesses to come forward. "We know this is a high footfall area, and it's likely there were lots of people in and around the park the time of the incident," she said. Follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Northumbria Police
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Yahoo
Man accused of rape and deliberate HIV transmission
A man has appeared in court accused of raping five males and also intentionally transmitting HIV. Adam Hall, currently of no fixed abode but previously of the Washington area, appeared at South Tyneside Magistrates' Court on Wednesday. The 42-year-old is charged with five counts of rape and a further seven counts of causing grievous bodily harm which relate to the transmission of HIV, police said. He has been remanded in custody ahead of his next appearance at Newcastle Crown Court on 2 July. He has also been charged with two counts of controlling or coercive behaviour and one count of supplying a Class B drug, GHB. Det Ch Insp Emma Smith, of Northumbria Police, urged anyone with information to continue to get in touch with officers. "We recognise the nature of the charges may raise concern and anxiety within our communities," she added. Follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. HM Courts and Tribunals Service
Yahoo
29-05-2025
- General
- Yahoo
Grandma killed in crash had 'years left to give'
The family of an 86-year-old woman who died after being hit by an electric motorbike on a pedestrian crossing have said she had "years left to give". Gloria Stephenson, from Silksworth, Sunderland, died on the city's Burdon Road on 16 May. Northumbria Police said it was understood she was using a zebra crossing when she was struck by a black Sur-Ron electric motorcycle. An 18-year-old man was arrested on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and released on bail. In a statement, Ms Stephenson's family said: "We are devastated at the loss of our vibrant, active, beautiful and intelligent mam, grandma, mother-in-law and great grandma." They also thanked the people who supported Ms Stephenson and her daughter and grandson at the scene. "The press described her as an 'elderly lady', however we want to make absolutely clear that our mam was full of life," the family said. "She was active, fit, healthy and had years left to give her love and share her energy and zest for life with everyone who knew her." Northumbria Police said the rider initially drove away from the scene, but was arrested later on suspicion of causing death by dangerous driving and the bike was recovered. He remains on bail while the investigation continues and Sgt Russell Surrey urged any witnesses to contact the force. Follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook, Nextdoor and Instagram. Elderly woman struck and killed in hit-and-run Northumbria Police
Yahoo
28-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Voting opens to name Sunderland's new footbridge
Voting has opened to decide a name for Sunderland's latest multimillion-pound landmark. More than 1,000 possible contenders were submitted by the public for the new Wear footbridge. The favourites have since been whittled down to a final three for people to choose from - Keel Crossing, Wear Crossing and Beacon Bridge. Michael Mordey, leader of Sunderland City Council, said a panel of representatives from local community groups had been "overwhelmed" by the response. "We received over 1,000 in total, which shows just how much the campaign captured everyone's hearts and imaginations," he said. "We've had entire families, school classes and community groups coming together to think of ideas, so hopefully this next stage will spark even more excitement." The panel included Rob Lawson, chair of Sunderland Business Partnership. He said he hoped the shortlist would "capture hearts and imaginations for generations to come". Due to open this summer, the bridge is a central figure in the development of Riverside Sunderland, described as one of the UK's most ambitious urban regeneration projects. Measuring 10m-wide and spanning 260m, at a height of 30m above the river, it is one of several high-profile developments under construction. About £31m has been spent on the bridge, commissioned by the Labour-led council, which will link Keel Square with Sheepfolds and the Stadium of Light. In recent months, parts of the bridge have made their way across the North Sea after being manufactured in Ghent, Belgium. The footbridge naming vote is the first feature to go live on Your Sunderland, the new online platform launched by the council. The vote closes on 6 June. Mordey added: "By providing an open forum where residents can have a say on ongoing city developments and projects, we're ensuring everyone has a chance to shape the decisions directly impacting their lives and communities." Follow BBC Sunderland on X, Facebook and Instagram Final section of city's bridge lifted into place Construction of city footbridge hits 'milestone' Your Sunderland Sunderland City Council
