Monthly Archives: August 2014

Why the ice bucket challenge matters

How motor neurone disease took my dad’s voice and independence

By Hull Daily Mail  |  Posted: August 29, 2014

Hundreds in Hull and the East Riding have taken on the ice bucket challenge to fight motor neurone disease – but few had more reason than Mail competition winner Charlotte Ashfield from Hessle. James Burton reports.

For many participants, the latest charity craze is just a bit of fun.

But when Charlotte Ashfield took on the ice bucket challenge to raise cash for the fight against motor neurone disease, it was personal.

Her father has been living with the condition for almost a decade, with the disease claiming his voice.

Hundreds in Hull and the East Riding have taken on the ice bucket challenge to fight motor neurone disease – but few had more reason than Mail competition winner Charlotte Ashfield from Hessle. James Burton reports.

For many participants, the latest charity craze is just a bit of fun.

But when Charlotte Ashfield took on the ice bucket challenge to raise cash for the fight against motor neurone disease, it was personal.

Her father has been living with the condition for almost a decade, with the disease claiming his voice.

With others finally taking notice of the devastating impact of the condition, she felt the urge to get involved.

Now UN sparks fury after launching human rights investigation into Britain’s disability benefit reforms

UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities has opened probe

  • Will check if there has been ‘grave violations’ of rights of disabled people 
  • MPs tonight branded the investigation ‘politically motivated’
  • Earlier this year a group of UN ‘ambassadors’ attacked UK welfare reforms

By Jack Doyle for the Daily Mail

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The United Nations sparked fury today after launching an unprecedented inquiry into Britain’s treatment of the disabled.

The UN Committee on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities launched a formal probe into whether this country has committed ‘grave or systemic violations’ of the rights of disabled people.

King’s Lynn couple fight for change in law to help disabled people

A Lynn couple are calling for a change in the law to force businesses to improve the toilet facilities that are available on offer to disabled people.

Trevor Smith is a carer for his wife, Susan, who has severe cerebral palsy and is a wheelchair user.

Because of her condition, Mrs Smith only has strength in her right arm and needs a handrail to hold onto when she goes to the toilet.

But the couple, of King George V Avenue, say not enough is being done to ensure that suitable facilities are provided for disabled customers.