Latest news with #MND
Irish Independent
3 hours ago
- Health
- Irish Independent
‘We need someone to carry the torch,' says Dublin dad with MND urging for new Irish voice in fight against disease
His plea comes as Kenny Logan and a team of sporting stars complete a 555-mile charity cycle at the Aviva Stadium today. Andrés Estevez-Guersanik (45), originally from Argentina but living in Dublin for 20 years, said Ireland needs a public champion to raise awareness and funding for MND, warning that momentum could fade without a high-profile voice. The father-of-two said: 'We had Charlie Bird and Fr Tony Coote. They made such a difference as they got the nation talking, but they're not here anymore and no one has stepped in. And without that voice, that figure, the momentum is at risk of fading. 'We need someone new to carry the torch for awareness and to change how people treat this disease, how quickly you're diagnosed, how services work. That only happens when someone with a platform says, 'Enough.' When they say, 'This matters.'' Andrés was speaking as he prepares to greet Logan and the team to Dublin and the Aviva Stadium today as they complete Doddie's Lions Challenge – a 555-mile cycle around Ireland raising funds for My Name'5 Doddie Foundation. Andrés described his own diagnosis as a 'rollercoaster of emotions'. A passionate runner and cyclist, he said it was devastating to learn he had an incurable illness. 'Suddenly, everything has a different meaning,' he said. 'I value small things much more, and these small things are now the essence of life — sitting down for a coffee and chatting, or the possibility of doing simple little things.' He spoke as Scotland rugby hero Logan led a team including football legend Ally McCoist, broadcaster Gabby Logan, and actor Jamie Bamber on the final leg of Doddie's Lions Challenge, a gruelling cycle raising funds for MND research through My Name'5 Doddie Foundation. The group — cycling around 100 miles a day across Ireland's rugby heartlands — has already raised more than £500,000, with further donations supporting both the Foundation and the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association. Andrés, once a keen marathon runner and cyclist, now relies on support from the IMNDA and is awaiting a hospice bed for respite care. He said public figures are key to changing how people respond to the disease. 'A voice helps people connect with MND — that's the shift we need in Ireland. Because MND can happen to anyone, and people deserve better when it does,' he added. Kenny Logan will lead a team of celebrities on the cycle including his wife, broadcaster Gabby Logan, football legend Ally McCoist, and actor Jamie Bamber. The group will cycle approximately 100 miles a day across some of Ireland's most scenic and historic rugby heartlands, stopping at the home clubs of Lions' legends throughout. The former Scotland winger said: 'Doddie put MND on the map, and we're committed to carrying on his legacy. If this ride helps shine a light and inspires someone in Irish sport to pick up the torch, then it's already a success. 'We've had an unbelievable time in Ireland and it's been incredible to meet members of the rugby and MND communities who have welcomed us with open arms. We're all excited to get to the Aviva to watch the game with Andrés – even though we'll be cheering on different sides!'
Scottish Sun
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Coronation Street star quits after two years – and his final scenes have already aired
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) CORONATION Street star Jack Carroll has quietly quit the show after two years. Actor and comedian Jack, 26, who lives with cerebral palsy, joined the soap back in October 2023 as Bobby Crawford, the secret son of killer Rob Donovan, and nephew of Carla Connor. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 2 Jack Carroll has quit Coronation Street after 18 months Credit: ITV 2 The actor played Rob Donovan's secret son Credit: ITV Bosses made a big deal of his casting with Jack saying at the time: 'I'm delighted and honoured to be playing a part in the history of the cultural institution that is Coronation Street. "I hope Bobby brings viewers a lot of laughs in the vein of some of the street's classic comedy characters." But The Sun can reveal that Jack filmed his final scenes back in March, with his low-key exit airing on screen last month after his storyline came to a natural end. In scenes that played out on the 12th May, Bobby decided to fly out to Spain for a last minute holiday after close friend Lauren Bolton accused him of being her blackmailer. He told his aunt Carla, actress Alison King, that he would be joining Simon Barlow on his travels. Simon Barlow actor Alex Bain was also axed by bosses and left the soap last year. A Corrie source said: 'Jack loved his time on the cobbles but it came to a natural end for now. 'He did 18 months on the street and loved every minute of it. 'His exit was very low-key and even the viewers didn't realise his last minute holiday to Spain would be a permanent move. 'Jack wanted to go quietly and not make a fuss. Jack Carroll on Britain's Got Talent 'The door is very much open for him to return in future storylines.' Jack shot to fame at 14 when he was the runner up on the seventh series of Britain's Got Talent in 2014. Coronation Street's 2024 shock exits Corrie has said goodbye to several cast members this year. Let's break down who's left the famous soap: Eliza Woodrow (Savannah Kunyo) has said farewell to Corrie to start a new life in Germany. The youngster moved to live with her dad Dom Everett, who went back on the £10,000 bribe Eliza's grandfather Stu had offered to keep him out of her life. Paul Foreman (Peter Ash) will bow out of the soap this summer when he loses his fight with motor neurone disease (MND) in tragic scenes. After being diagnosed last year, the fan favourite was devastated to learn he only had months left to live. Viewers know he is planning to take his own life to end his suffering. Summer Spellman (Harriet Bibby) departed the cobbles after being offered the opportunity of a lifetime to study in America. Though she struggled to decide with her stepdad Paul's impending death from MND, she was convinced she had to live her life to the full. Simon Barlow (Alex Bain) has struggled with the sudden departure of his father Peter from the cobbles. The Weatherfield legend left his family and loved ones behind on Boxing Day, 2023, when his wife Carla Connor encouraged him to travel around the world with a friend. Simon's been on a downward spiral ever since and his exit could end in tragedy. Alya Nazir is set to leave the cobbles as actress Sair Khan prepares to go on maternity leave ahead of the birth of her first child. It looks likely she'll be heading to Dublin after securing a lucrative new job, leaving her colleague and fling Adam Barlow behind. Show stalwart Sue Cleaver, who plays Eileen Grimshaw, is taking a break to star in the Sister Act The Musical UK tour. She will be back filming in May once her dates on the tour come to an end. Her character left the Street after her son Jason broke his back after falling off a moped in Asia. His stand up comedy routine was a hit with the judges and viewers alike and he went on to appear on Saturday Night at the London Palladium, Jason Manford's Funny Old Week and Live At the Apollo as well as completing his first national live tour. Since filming his Corrie exit Jack has been busy with a new podcast, Love int North, which celebrates the most northern love stories.
The Irish Sun
4 hours ago
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Coronation Street star quits after two years – and his final scenes have already aired
CORONATION Street star Jack Carroll has quietly quit the show after two years. Actor and comedian Jack, 26, who lives with cerebral palsy, joined the soap back in October 2023 as Advertisement 2 Jack Carroll has quit Coronation Street after 18 months Credit: ITV 2 The actor played Rob Donovan's secret son Credit: ITV Bosses made a big deal of his casting with Jack saying at the time: 'I'm delighted and honoured to be playing a part in the history of the cultural institution that is Coronation Street. "I hope Bobby brings viewers a lot of laughs in the vein of some of the street's classic comedy characters." But The Sun can reveal that Jack filmed his final scenes back in March, with his low-key exit airing on screen last month after his storyline came to a natural end. In scenes that played out on the 12th May, Bobby decided to fly out to Spain for a last minute holiday after close friend Lauren Bolton accused him of being her blackmailer. Advertisement Read more on Coronation Street He told his aunt Carla, actress Alison King, that he would be joining Simon Barlow on his travels. Simon Barlow actor Alex Bain was also axed by bosses and left the soap last year. A Corrie source said: 'Jack loved his time on the cobbles but it came to a natural end for now. 'He did 18 months on the street and loved every minute of it. Advertisement Most read in Soaps 'His exit was very low-key and even the viewers didn't realise his last minute holiday to Spain would be a permanent move. 'Jack wanted to go quietly and not make a fuss. Jack Carroll on Britain's Got Talent 'The door is very much open for him to return in future storylines.' Jack shot to fame at 14 when he was the runner up on the seventh series of Britain's Got Talent in 2014. Advertisement Coronation Street's 2024 shock exits Corrie has said goodbye to several cast members this year. Let's break down who's left the famous soap: Eliza Woodrow (Savannah Kunyo) The youngster moved to live with her dad Dom Everett, who went back on the £10,000 bribe Eliza's grandfather Stu had offered to keep him out of her life. Paul Foreman (Peter Ash) After being diagnosed last year, the fan favourite was devastated to learn he only had months left to live. Viewers know he is planning to take his own life to end his suffering. Summer Spellman (Harriet Bibby) Though she struggled to decide with her stepdad Paul's impending death from MND, she was convinced she had to live her life to the full. Simon Barlow ( The Weatherfield legend Simon's been on a downward spiral ever since and his exit could end in tragedy. It looks likely she'll be heading to Dublin after securing a lucrative new job, leaving her colleague and fling Adam Barlow behind. Show stalwart Sue Cleaver, who plays Eileen Grimshaw, is taking a break to star in the Sister Act The Musical UK tour. She will be back filming in May once her dates on the tour come to an end. Her character left the Street after her son Jason broke his back after falling off a moped in Asia. His stand up comedy routine was a hit with the judges and viewers alike and he went on to appear on Saturday Night at the London Palladium, Jason Manford's Funny Old Week and Live At the Apollo as well as completing his first national live tour. Since filming his Corrie exit Jack has been busy with a new podcast, Love int North, which celebrates the most northern love stories.
Irish Daily Mirror
12 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
Famous ex-footballer in bike smash during charity cycle in Ireland
Former Rangers ace Ally McCoist was involved in a four-person bike smash during a charity cycle. The collision took place on the second day of the MND challenge cycle in aid of My Name's Doddie Foundation. The group, which will arrive in Dublin after cycling from Belfast, will cover all four provinces of Ireland. In an Instagram video with Doddie Weir's son, Hamish, Ally said: "We're here in beautiful southern Ireland, after leaving Westport this morning at about half past eight. It was meant to be eight o'clock! "We're on our way to Galway, and we're about a quarter of the way through and so we've stopped for a coffee and a bit of carrot cake. "But the difference today, mate, it's been unbelievably windy. It's been a struggle today. Yesterday was great fun, no wind, but the boys have felt a little bit of pain from the wind today. We've had one missing in action, Duncan gave himself a sore one so hopefully he's okay." Hamish then let slip McCoist fell during the challenge. He said: "You've had a little bit of an accident, talk us through it." Ally replied: "Yes, I just came off myself actually. I was hoping to let that one go, Hamish, but thanks very much! I had three people in front of me who were down, I shan't name names, but I just went into the back of them, but hey, we're all fine. It was a comfy landing, I landed on one of the bigger boys." McCoist added: "We're here for your dad, we're here for MND and we're trying to raise as much money as humanly possible and we're having a bit of fun doing it as well. "We've been meeting some great people, the people of Ballymena looked after us, and Monaghan looked after us. The people here have been wonderful."
Irish Daily Mirror
12 hours ago
- Health
- Irish Daily Mirror
Dad battling MND says Ireland needs figure to spearhead fight against disease
A Dublin dad battling motor neuron disease says Ireland needs a high-profile figure to spearhead the fight against the debilitating disease. Andrés Estevez-Guersanik, who moved to Dublin from Argentina 20 years ago, was diagnosed with MND in 2023. He said this country lacks a visible champion for the cause when compared to the UK. Figures like the late Doddie Weir and Rob Burrow, along with Kevin Sinfield, Rob Wainwright and Kenny Logan, have shaped how the public in the UK views the illness. He said: 'We had Charlie Bird and Fr Tony Coote. They made such a difference as they got the nation talking, but they're not here anymore and no one has stepped in. And without that voice, that figure, the momentum is at risk of fading. 'We need someone new to carry the torch for awareness and to change how people treat this disease, how quickly you're diagnosed, how services work. That only happens when someone with a platform says, 'Enough.' When they say, 'This matters'.' It comes as Scotland rugby legend Kenny Logan takes part in a 555-mile cycle to raise funds for My Name'5 Doddie Foundation, a charity committed to funding research to find effective treatments for motor neuron disease. The charity cycle will end in Dublin, ahead of the British & Irish Lions test against Argentina on Friday. The 30+ strong team, which has cycled more than 100 miles each day, including a gruelling section of climbing between Waterford and Wicklow on Thursday, will arrive in Dublin at the Talbot Hotel in Stillorgan. The team has already broken the £500,000 (approximately €585,300) fundraising barrier, and now has its sights set on raising as much money as possible for My Name'5 Doddie Foundation and the Irish Motor Neuron Disease Association. Andres added: 'Kenny, Ally McCoist, Gabby Logan and the team cycling across Ireland to raise awareness for MND, and delivering the match ball here in Dublin, is a powerful gesture. 'It puts a spotlight on something that desperately needs attention while raising significant, much-needed, funds for research through My Name'5 Doddie Foundation. 'But it also shows the gap. Public figures showing their support gives people a way to connect with the disease. They bring it into the light. Here in Ireland, we need someone to drive the issue forward.' Andrés revealed he first noticed a cramp in his hand while cycling in Majorca and this led to his diagnosis. He explained: 'Five years ago I'd have been right there on the road with them. I miss all of it – the sport, the chat, the freedom. But I can still raise awareness, speak up, and try to help people understand this disease better.' The Argentinian is currently waiting for a hospice bed to provide some respite care. Before his diagnosis, he was a dedicated runner, cyclist, and, by his own admission, 'a talker'. MND has weakened his voice significantly, but he remains incredibly positive and determined to help others. He said: 'Awareness leads to dignity, funding, and practical change – from better access to public spaces to improved services and faster diagnosis, because otherwise, you lose time. And with MND, time is everything. 'When people understand something, they respond differently. That's what public figures help with. They change how people behave and that's the shift we need in Ireland. Because MND can happen to anyone, and people deserve better when it does. The 45-year-old added: 'As more people are diagnosed, the wonderful MND organisations out there – like the Irish Motor Neurone Disease Association for care and My Name'5 Doddie Foundation for research – need more funding. And what gets noticed, gets funded.' Kenny Logan has led a team of celebrities on the cycle, including his wife, broadcaster Gabby Logan, football legend Ally McCoist, and actor Jamie Bamber. The group stopped at the home clubs of Lions' legends throughout the country. The former Scotland winger said: 'Doddie put MND on the map, and we're committed to carrying on his legacy. If this ride helps shine a light and inspires someone in Irish sport to pick up the torch, then it's already a success. 'We've had an unbelievable time in Ireland and it's been incredible to meet members of the rugby and MND communities who have welcomed us with open arms. We're all excited to get to the Aviva to watch the game with Andrés – even though we'll be cheering on different sides!'
