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Kate Ritchie involved in multi-vehicle car crash

Kate Ritchie has been involved in a multi-vehicle car crash in Sydney's Eastern Suburbs. The radio host was reportedly behind the wheel of her BMW when the incident unfolded in Randwick, with eye-witnesses claiming Ritchie's care collided with a parked Mitsubishi Pajero, forcefully pushing it off the road and into a parked Kia. The owner of the Kia, who wished to remain anonymous, identified Ritchie as the driver of the BMW and confirmed that Ritchie shared her details with him following the collision. After the exchange, Kate, 46, expressed her need to leave promptly to pick up her nine-year-old daughter, Mae. He added that Kate said her personal assistant would follow up on the matter, and that Ritchie did not appear under the influence of alcohol, although no roadside sobriety test was administered by police. All three vehicles involved suffered substantial damage and were later towed away from the suburban street. Daily Mail Australia reached out to NSW Police who provided the following statement. "About 5.10pm on Wednesday (6 November 2024) emergency services were called to Dudley Street, Randwick, following reports of a crash," the statement read. "Officers attached to Eastern Beaches Police Area Command commenced inquiries into the circumstances surrounding the incident. Inquiries revealed a BMW SUV crashed into a parked car." "The 46-year-old female driver of the SUV and the owner of the parked car exchanged details. No injuries were reported. No police action was required." Image credits: Instagram - ABC

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"Absolute breakthrough": New hope in search for Motor Neurone Disease cure

Melbourne researchers are one step closer to finding a cure for Motor Neurone Disease, with the help technology and stem cell research. Scientists at The Florey Institute of Neuroscience and Mental Health have developed a world-first technology that will speed up the drug testing process to help find an effective treatment and maybe even a cure for the disease. New machines at the institute can now help determine whether drugs on the market could be used to treat MND in just weeks, a process which previously took decades. "This is an absolute breakthrough, it's at the cutting edge of technology," Florey MND researcher Professor Brad Turner said. Animal cells were previously used to test the efficacy of MND drugs, but now thanks to more than 100 MND patients who donated their skin cells to the institute, researchers have a library of stem cells to work with. The human stem cells can provide scientists with the full scope of the disease, something that they were previously unable to do with just animal cells. "This is really a game-changer in that we can use their own cells, and we can test drugs directly on their own cells," Florey MND researcher and neurologist Dr Thanuja Dharmadasa said. Large scale screening will commence thanks to a $5 million grant from the Australian Medical Research Future Fund. The research is expected to help people like Phil Camden who has been living with the disease for 10 years. "That's the key to all of us living with MND... we want to do what we can while we can," Camden said. "We know we're not doing it to find a cure for us. We're doing it for those in the future, my grandkids and their children." Scientists believe that medication or a cocktail of drugs tailored specifically to a patient is the way forward when it comes to treating the disease. "Therefore your drug treatments are tailed back to the clinical makeup in the dish and we call that personalised medical treatment," Turner said. Image: Nine News

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"Rest in love": All Blacks legend and Dancing with the Stars winner dies at 55

The sports and entertainment communities are mourning the loss of former All Blacks hooker and Dancing with the Stars winner Norm Hewitt, who has passed away at the age of 55. Hewitt, a beloved figure both on and off the rugby field, succumbed to a lengthy battle with motor neurone disease, as confirmed by his family in a heartfelt statement. "Although rugby dominated his early life, he established a thriving human relations consultancy after retirement, and his services were much in demand both nationally and internationally," his family shared. "He walked confidently in both Māori and Pākehā worlds and was a particular role model for troubled youth, citing his own background, and offering inspirational teachings that one’s present life need not be one’s future." Hewitt leaves behind his wife Arlene and their two children, Elizabeth and Alexander. Born and raised in Pōrangahau, southern Hawke’s Bay, Hewitt's rugby career was nothing short of illustrious. Over 13 seasons, he played 296 representative matches for Hawke’s Bay, Southland and Wellington, earning 23 caps for the All Blacks. Hewitt was also a pivotal member of the Hurricanes during the formative years of Super Rugby, missing only one match in the first five years. The rugby community has been profoundly affected by Hewitt's passing. Former teammate Ofisa Tonu’u posted a touching tribute on Facebook: "I’m just devastated finding out the news today. I will never forget how you always stuck up for me during the Black Tracker days when no one else would, you always look after all the players and we always followed you into battle. No more pain, brother, you can now rest in Love. Fa’afetai tele lava my uso for having my back as I did yours. I know the other boys will be welcoming you with open arms at the gates. Rest in Love, Normy." Beyond his rugby career, Hewitt transitioned into a public speaker and mentor, focusing heavily on violence prevention programmes and advocacy. He worked with the SPCA as an animal cruelty and anti-violence publicity officer, visiting schools to spread his message. In 2005, Hewitt showcased his versatility by winning the first season of Dancing with the Stars alongside professional dancer Carol-Ann Hickmore. Hewitt's life was not without its struggles. In 1999, he made a public apology for a drunken incident in Queenstown, marking a turning point as he renounced alcohol and dedicated himself to helping others facing similar challenges. The outpouring of tributes was immediate, with The All Blacks expressing their sorrow: “We are saddened by the loss of All Black #938 Norm Hewitt who passed away yesterday in Wellington. Hewitt played 9 Tests and 14 Games between 1993 and 1998. Our thoughts are with Norm’s family and loved ones at this time.” Podcaster Martin Devlin shared his personal experience: “RIP Norm Hewitt. Not a lot of people know how kind & generous this man was. A truly wonderful person. Reached out to me and helped me considerably a long time ago when things were very rough. Love & respect.” Richard Hills echoed the sentiments of many: “This is bloody sad. A sad way to lose a kiwi icon so young. He had a really rough childhood and upbringing and faced it and turned his life around to become not only a rugby legend but also helped others who’d been through similar issues.” Norm Hewitt’s legacy will endure through the lives he touched and the positive change he inspired. His story is a testament to the strength of the human spirit and the profound impact one individual can have on the world. Image: Radio New Zealand

Caring

"I'm a prisoner in my own body": Rob Burrow's heartbreaking last message

An emotional final message from rugby legend Rob Burrow has been released in the days after his death. The former footballer <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/rugby-league-hero-dies-at-just-41" target="_blank" rel="noopener">died</a> at the age of 41 on Sunday after a lengthy battle with motor neurone disease, with his former club, the Leeds Rhinos, sharing the news of his passing. Before he died, Burrow was involved in the making of a documentary about his life by the BBC, titled There's Only One Burrow, only agreeing to appear in the program on the condition it only be used after his death. In the documentary, Burrow spoke of how the cruel disease impacted his life and how he hoped to raise awareness for MND research. "I want to live in a world free of MND. By the time you watch this I will no longer be here," he said in the video. "In a world full of adversity, we must still dare to dream. I'm just a lad from Yorkshire who got to live out his dream of playing rugby league." <blockquote class="instagram-media" style="background: #FFF; border: 0; border-radius: 3px; box-shadow: 0 0 1px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.5),0 1px 10px 0 rgba(0,0,0,0.15); margin: 1px; max-width: 540px; min-width: 326px; padding: 0; width: calc(100% - 2px);" data-instgrm-captioned="" data-instgrm-permalink="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7xPgSxM6lY/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" data-instgrm-version="14"> <div style="padding: 16px;"> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; align-items: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 40px; margin-right: 14px; width: 40px;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 100px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 60px;"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="padding: 19% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: block; height: 50px; margin: 0 auto 12px; width: 50px;"> </div> <div style="padding-top: 8px;"> <div style="color: #3897f0; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: 550; line-height: 18px;">View this post on Instagram</div> </div> <div style="padding: 12.5% 0;"> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: row; margin-bottom: 14px; align-items: center;"> <div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(0px) translateY(7px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; height: 12.5px; transform: rotate(-45deg) translateX(3px) translateY(1px); width: 12.5px; flex-grow: 0; margin-right: 14px; margin-left: 2px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; height: 12.5px; width: 12.5px; transform: translateX(9px) translateY(-18px);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: 8px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 50%; flex-grow: 0; height: 20px; width: 20px;"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 2px solid transparent; border-left: 6px solid #f4f4f4; border-bottom: 2px solid transparent; transform: translateX(16px) translateY(-4px) rotate(30deg);"> </div> </div> <div style="margin-left: auto;"> <div style="width: 0px; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-right: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(16px);"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; flex-grow: 0; height: 12px; width: 16px; transform: translateY(-4px);"> </div> <div style="width: 0; height: 0; border-top: 8px solid #F4F4F4; border-left: 8px solid transparent; transform: translateY(-4px) translateX(8px);"> </div> </div> </div> <div style="display: flex; flex-direction: column; flex-grow: 1; justify-content: center; margin-bottom: 24px;"> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; margin-bottom: 6px; width: 224px;"> </div> <div style="background-color: #f4f4f4; border-radius: 4px; flex-grow: 0; height: 14px; width: 144px;"> </div> </div> <p style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 17px; margin-bottom: 0; margin-top: 8px; overflow: hidden; padding: 8px 0 7px; text-align: center; text-overflow: ellipsis; white-space: nowrap;"><a style="color: #c9c8cd; font-family: Arial,sans-serif; font-size: 14px; font-style: normal; font-weight: normal; line-height: 17px; text-decoration: none;" href="https://www.instagram.com/reel/C7xPgSxM6lY/?utm_source=ig_embed&utm_campaign=loading" target="_blank" rel="noopener">A post shared by BBC SPORT (@bbcsport)</a> </div> </blockquote> His pre-recorded final words were shown to his friends and family on screen, reacting to his words. "I'm a fighter, to be honest. I might not be able to tackle MND but I'll certainly be swinging, I'm not going to give in, not until my last breath," he said. "I'm a prisoner in my own body, that's the way MND gets you. The lights are on but no one is home." Recalling his diagnosis, he said, "My family told me I was slurring my speech a bit but I didn't take notice or believe them." In an emotional segment of the widow, Burrow's wife Lindsey spoke of how she learnt of her husband's devastating disease. "I remember that moment being told it's not good news. Asking how long and them saying two years. Rob said 'thank god it's me and not the kids'. That's all he was bothered about," she recalled. When asked about his children, Burrow became emotional, saying, "I had no idea how my family would cope. They've become a beacon of hope for families in the same situation as ours." "I have had such a great life. I have been gifted with the most incredible wife and three children. I hope they know how much I love them." Burrows finishes the piece, saying. "As a father of three young children, I would never want someone to go through this." "I hope I have left a mark on this disease. I hope you choose to live in the moment. I hope you find inspiration." "My final message to you is whatever your personal battle to be brave and face it." "Every single day is precious. Don't waste a moment. In a world full of adversity we must still dare to dream. Rob Burrow over and out." Image credits: BBC

Caring

Rugby League hero dies at just 41

Rugby League legend Rob Burrow has passed away at the age of 41 after a lengthy battle with motor neurone disease. The British footballer spent his career with the Leeds Rhinos and helped them win eight Super League titles, and while he never played in Australia, he won the World Club Challenge over NRL opponents three times. Just two years after his retirement in 2017, Burrows was diagnosed with MND. Despite his rapidly progressing condition, Burrows stayed in the public eye to raise money and awareness for MND, and soon became the face of the fight against the disease in the UK. He worked with former teammate Kevin Sinfield to raise millions for a new care centre for MND patients, as the pair competed in <a href="https://oversixty.com.au/health/caring/terminally-ill-rugby-player-carried-across-marathon-finish-line-by-his-best-mate" target="_blank" rel="noopener">marathons</a> today, with Sinfield often pushing Burrow the entire way. His former football club announced Burrow’s death on Sunday, just one day before the groundbreaking of the new Rob Burrow Centre for MND at Seacroft Hospital, which will go ahead at his request. “It is with deep sadness that we announce the death of our beloved son, husband, father, brother and friend,” the club said. “Rob has always been a true inspiration throughout his life whether that was on the rugby league field or during his battle with MND. He never allowed others to define what he could achieve and believed in his own ability to do more." “The outpouring of love and support that Rob and the whole Burrow family have received over the last four and a half years meant so much to Rob." “For those who knew Rob throughout his life, his determination and spirit in the face of MND over the last four and a half years came as no surprise. Rob never accepted that he couldn’t do something. He just found his way of doing it better than anyone else." “He will continue to inspire us all every day. In a world full of adversity. We must dare to dream.” Prince William, who awarded Burrow with a Commander of the British Empire (CBE) honour in January 2024, was among those to mourn his death on social media. “A legend of rugby league, Rob Burrow had a huge heart,” he wrote. “He taught us ‘in a world full of adversity, we must dare to dream’. Catherine and I send our love." Burrow is survived by wife Lindsey and their three children Macy, Maya and Jackson. Image credits: SplashNews.com/Matt West/BPI/Phil Noble-Reuters/POOL supplied by Splash News/Shutterstock Editorial

Caring

Woman fined after paid car park gets set up around her parked vehicle

Josephine Williams had been leaving her car in a gravel clearing at Westgate in Auckland, alongside other commuters to catch the bus into the city for months. The New Zealand woman was left with a "nasty surprise" when she returned from work on Monday to find a NZ $85 ($77) fine sitting on her windshield. "To my unfortunate surprise - and many others - I was greeted by an $85 parking ticket for a breach and a flyer from Wilson Parking saying paid parking had started that day," Williams told Stuff. "But what breach exactly was made? How was I supposed to know paid parking started that day when there was nothing at all displayed anywhere in the car park?" Williams claimed that the Wilson Parking car park had been set up around her already parked car, even providing dash cam footage that showed her pulling into the gravel clearing at 7.45am, with no paid parking signs or Wilson branding in sight. By 6pm, a large red and white Wilson sign had been put up at the entrance, with "12 hours for $4" written on it. "Wilson deliberately put their sign up sometime after 9am and then took it upon themselves to fine every single car that was already parked there from the morning," Williams said. "$85 is a lot of money - it would have been two weeks' worth of grocery shopping for me," she added. "I'm lucky that I know the law and my rights, but some other people might not. What about students or the elderly or people who don't know English well?" She estimated that there was usually around 50 and 100 cars in the gravel clearing. Wilson argued that the carpark was always there and they had just added more signage, but have since waived Williams' fine after she lodged a request to have it reviewed by Parking Enforcement Services. Wilson Parking also said that they had started to set up the car park and installed a "clear signage" on April 22. "It was not set up around parked cars on 29 April as suggested," a Wilson spokesperson said. "Several payments were made by customers via the Parkmate app from 22 April proving that signage on the site was clear and effective," they said. They added that on April 29 more signs were added to all entry points of the car park. "In acknowledgment of the increased signage added on the 29th at the entry we've made the decision to refund all payments made until 30 April and waive any breach notices issued up to this date." They also denied issuing any breach notices before the signs were put up. "Payment options were available and signed from 22 April - but no infringement notices were issued prior to the 29th." Images: Stuff

Legal

Victorian man rides lawn mower for 800km to speak to the PM

You know the saying: mow big or mow home. And one man risked it all in hopes of scoring a meeting with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. In an incredible 11-day journey Warren "Woz" Acott made the 800km journey from Central Victoria to Canberra to try and speak with the Prime Minister about motor neurone disease (MND). He left his home in Toolleen in Central Victoria on March 11, with no guarantee that anyone was going to meet him at the end of his journey. But his efforts have been fruitful, because by the time he arrived in Canberra this morning, he had a booking with the PM. "I've shuffled my schedule around to fit him in. I'd better go see him," Woz joked when he was told he had a meeting with the PM Albanese met met Woz in the Prime Minister's courtyard, and a crowd of families affected by MND were also waiting outside parliament to welcome Woz. "I'm overwhelmed. But it's not about me. It's about MND and the families and the carers and everybody else," Woz told A Current Affair. Woz, who lives with MND, wants the condition to be added to the National Notifiable Disease Surveillance System (NNDSS). This is because NNDSS conditions "a threat to public health in Australia" and are given additional funding for research." "We'll give consideration to all these things. You're a champion, mate," Albanese said. "It's all over my head. I mean, I'm a truck driver at the end of the day. But I know that if (MND is added to the NNDSS), it's more trackable, more funding, and everything else," Woz said. Robyn Sneddon, who lost her husband Ian to MND, praised Woz for his effort. "The effort he has made has been incredible. He is just a champion," she told A Current Affair. "I'm very proud of him," Snedden added. Images: A Current Affair

Caring

Why Mr Bean is being blamed for decreasing electric vehicle sales

Rowan Atkinson has been blamed for a decrease in electric car sales, with a "damaging" article being debunked in the House of Lords. The actor and comedian, who is also a well-known car enthusiast, wrote an article for The Guardian, claiming he felt "duped" by electric vehicles, saying they aren't as eco-friendly as they are often portrayed. Atkinson says the problem with the vehicles' sustainable marketing focuses on just one part of the car’s operating life: what comes out of the exhaust pipes and ignores other elements such as the manufacturing and the mining of rare earth minerals, shipping and building of the batteries. These claims, and the article itself, have been addressed by the UK's House of Lords, with politicians blaming the story for a decrease in electric vehicle sales. UK think tank the Green Alliance says, “One of the most damaging articles was a comment piece written by Rowan Atkinson in The Guardian which has been roundly debunked.” Other deterrents identified by the committee were the high purchase price and insufficient charging infrastructure. Social media users were quick to take Atkinson's side in the debate, with one person writing on X, “If Rowan Atkinson is responsible, then give him a knighthood.” Another user says, “Rowan Atkinson with a degree and masters in Engineering. Knows more than those pushing electric cars.” "Apparently it's Mr Bean's fault for the poor take up of electric cars. Cancel him," another said. For the last 12 months, high power costs in the UK have meant that fast charging your electric car can be more expensive than refuelling a petrol or diesel vehicle. The UK is planning to ban sales of petrol and diesel vehicles from 2035, despite the slip in sales. Image credits: Getty Images

Legal

Mother’s car stolen with baby still inside

A woman who suffered injuries while trying to stop an allegedly stolen car with a baby in the backseat said her “blood ran cold” when she realised what was happening. Phone Halson said she and her sister were out for a day at the zoo in Yeppoon, Queensland on April 19, 2023, when the incident occurred. Speaking to Today, Halson said, "As soon as we got out of the car we heard tyres screeching and a woman screaming, so me and my sister ran over. I had my son in my arms,” "At first we saw the baby's capsule laying on the ground and we were thinking, 'Oh my God, this baby has been hit’." She said she and her sister then saw a woman screaming, "They took my baby”. "We are trying to console this mother still in the loading bay where you get your groceries, and the car did, like, a turnaround," she continued. "It has come flying through the exit-way. Me and another woman were still standing there. We were trying to call out, 'Stop, stop, there is a baby, stop', and she wasn't stopping.” Halson said she turned to protect her son, who was still in her arms when she was struck by the car. She revealed she suffered fractured ribs and internal bleeding and went through a two-week recovery period. The allegedly stolen car then returned, and Halson said the mother was “absolutely hysterical”. "It was madness. There were people trying to jump in front of the cars. Some succeeded in getting the baby," she said. "But, yes, some people were just screaming in horror. Other people were crying. There were some chasing after the car. It was absolute madness.” She said it was one of the most terrifying experiences of her life, although added that when the mum was reunited with her baby, it was “beautiful”. "You could see the relief on her face as soon as the woman put that baby in her arms," Halson said. "She just pretty much melted holding that baby.” Fortunately, the baby was left unharmed as the car drove away. Authorities said that around 4 pm that same day, they discovered an allegedly stolen grey Nissan Patrol at Bungundarra, north of Rockhampton, and arrested a 24-year-old woman and a 36-year-old man. The 24-year-old Cobraball woman has been charged with one count each of dangerous operation of a motor vehicle, unlawful use of a motor vehicle, abduction of a child, and driving without a licence. The 36-year-old Mount Morgan man has been charged with unlawful use of a motor vehicle. They have both been denied bail and are due to appear in court on April 20. Image credit: Queensland Police

Legal

Chris Bath breaks down on air after announcing colleague’s death

TV presenter Chris Bath has broken down on air after announcing the news of fellow colleague and journalist Nick Way. Nick Way, a Perth journalist, lost his battle with motor neurone disease at the age of 63 on September 23. The heartbreaking news was shared on Channel Ten’s Sunday evening program, with Chris shedding some tears. “The Ten News First family is mourning revered Perth journalist Nick Way, who has lost his fight with motor neurone disease,” she said. A tribute package was also played, highlighting Nick’s incredible career as a journalist. “Nick Way was a gifted storyteller,” the voiceover said. “Over three decades, he never failed to connect deeply with those he reported on, often staying in close contact with them long after the news cameras had stopped rolling. “His stories shone through even through our darkest chapters, the Bali bombings. Many of the survivors still call Nick a very good friend. “Nick always gave a voice to those who struggled to find their own. Championing so many wonderful causes and when it came to his own health battle, he dug in and raised tens of thousands of dollars for research. “Here at Ten, Nick taught so many the ropes. His beautiful smile and voice we will never forget. “To his wife Karen and loved ones, we are sending our deepest sympathies.” The tribute package ended and the camera cut back to a very emotional Chris who said: “Vale Nick, and our condolences to his family”. Karen, Nick’s wife of 29 years said her husband was staying at a specialised care facility in Cottesloe while she was in New Zealand for her nephew’s wedding. Nick suddenly “had a turn” and died of a suspected blood clot in his lung. “It was like he waited for me to be here in New Zealand to be with all my family and he's made the decision that it's time to go,” Karen told <a href="https://thewest.com.au/news/wa/nick-way-popular-wa-newsman-dies-after-battle-with-with-bulbar-onset-motor-neuron-disease--c-8348221" target="_blank" rel="noopener">The West Australian</a>. “He wanted to stay as independent as he could, but he just couldn't do things for himself anymore and he lost the ability to talk last August. Talking was his favourite thing and he loved being the centre of attention. “But he had a great life, we had so much travel and he did so many things a lot of people never get the opportunity to do. We've got lots of really great memories.” Images: Facebook/Ten

Caring

Five things to keep in your car's glove box

Whether it’s a long drive to visit family or a quick trip to the local shopping centre, your car should always be equipped with a few essential items. Does your car have all of these items? While many of today’s new cars feature the latest gadgets and technologies for comfort and safety, many don’t come with other useful everyday items which are vital in case of emergency or an unforseen event. For example, a flashlight would come in handy if you need to change a tyre in the evening or an in-car phone charger for when your battery has gone flat. By storing these types of essential items in your glove box, you’ll always be prepared for when life takes an unexpected turn. 1. Important documents wallet One item that should always be stored away in the glove box is a plastic folder or wallet with your vehicle documents, such as owner’s manual, emergency contact numbers and proof of insurance. A spare pen and paper will also come in handy. The owner’s manual should always be left in the car so you never lose it and should be the first point of reference for when experiencing car trouble. 2. Plastic bags and tissues You would be surprised at the number of times you’ll need a plastic bag or some tissues. There could be a spill, a car mess or a passenger may not be feeling well. All good reasons for keeping a few plastic bags handy. The same can be said for tissues or wet wipes, which will be useful if your hands get greasy from having to change a tyre or lift up the hood of the car to check the oil and water levels. 3. First aid kit Always a good inclusion no matter where you go. A basic first aid kit can be purchased from your local pharmacy. Along with the basic contents, such as bandages, antiseptic cream or solution, and a pair of tweezers, make sure you include any items specific to you. If your first aid kit won’t fit in the glove box, pop it under the front passenger seat so it’s easily accessible, if needed. 4. Torch For long trips, it’s a good idea to have a torch stowed away. You never know when you might need to change a tyre or inspect your vehicle for unusual sounds that might occur whilst driving at night. A small LED flashlight would do the trick – and remember to keep a spare pack of batteries in the glove box too. 5. Mobile phone charger Back in the days before we all had mobile phones, we actually remembered phone numbers! However, nowadays, many of us have these important digits stored away in our phones. This makes having a spare phone charger very important, especially when you need to contact someone and your phone has run out of battery. There are phone car charges which you can plug into the power outlet in your car to then charge the battery on your mobile phone. Image: Getty Images

Home & Garden

Son's first dance with mum suffering from motor neurone disease

An emotional wedding video of a wheelchair-bound mother severely affected by motor neurone disease (MND) dancing with her eldest son on his big day has gone viral, with people describing the moment as both heart-breaking and heart-warming at the same time. Kathy Poirer was watching her eldest son Zak get married in a moving ceremony in their native Florida. Despite being unable to walk, Kathy, with the help of her other two children, was able to dance with her eldest child on his big day. The moment was captured on video and has since gone viral, as Kathy said the dance was a dream come true. “I just really wanted that moment with my son,” Poirer told Sunrise. “There are so many milestones in their life and you look forward to them and I was afraid I wouldn’t have that opportunity." “It truly is an expression of a mother and her son and their love for each other.” Kathy was diagnosed with MND more than three years ago, and has bravely fought the diagnosis and challenged the odds against her ever since. “I prayed every day that I would make it long enough to dance with him, and I fight every day for my life,” she said. Motor neurone disease is a condition that affects the body’s brain and the nerve cells called motor neurones. According to <a href="https://www.mndaustralia.org.au/mnd-connect/what-is-mnd/what-is-motor-neurone-disease-mnd" target="_blank" rel="noopener" data-link-type="article-inline">MND Australia:</a> “Motor neurones normally carry messages from the brain to the muscles via the spinal cord. The messages allow people to make voluntary movements like walking, swallowing, talking and breathing." There is currently no cure for MND, and the condition is known to drastically reduce life expectancy. Kathy is devoting the rest of her life to bringing awareness to this devastating disease, while encouraging people not to take life for granted. “What I wanted to do was make people aware that this can happen to you in a heartbeat and just live every moment to the fullest - you never know when it’s gonna get taken away,” she said. Image credits: Sunrise

Caring

"We are devastated": Perth mum's heartbreak after fatal crash

A Perth mother has described the moment her six-year-old son lost his life in a horrifying car crash. Jackson Donovan, aged 6, was killed when his family van was rear ended at an intersection in East Rockingham, South of Perth's CBD on Friday. “Everything went white,” Klara Donovan wrote in a heartbreaking Facebook post, detailing how she was behind the wheel with Jackson and his sister Rosie in the back seat. “I was so confused until I realised we’d just been hit really hard and all the airbags had deployed around me.” The van was pushed into a bus and two more cars, causing the vehicle to spin out before it finally came to a stop. Escaping the incident with only a sore wrist, Ms Donovan thought everyone was safe. “I thought, ‘if I’m ok it wasn’t that bad’,” she said, “I called out ‘everyone okay?’.” But while Rosie started screaming, Jackson’s silence was deafening. “Jackson was quiet and I was honestly so confused as to why he didn’t answer until I saw him.” The family was told he died on impact. Ms Donovan had just picked her son up from school and was feeling “so happy” heading into the weekend with her family, when the accident occurred. Little Jackson was flown to Perth Children’s Hospital where his parents faced their worst nightmare, deciding to switch off his life support 28 hours later. “Chris and I can’t wrap our heads around how everything has just stopped,” she wrote on Facebook. “His love of video games.. His keenness for reading.. His joyful little friendships. His love for his sisters.. His Paw Patrol onesie.. Sneaking into our bed at night. “We will never get any of it back and we are gutted. “Rosie won’t even remember the brother who knew how to make her laugh long before anyone else could.. Everley has lost her best friend and wild play mate. “We have lost the most awesome, fun, hilarious, smart, sweet kid. We are devastated beyond words. “Jackson, we love you so much. We are so sorry you couldn’t stay longer with us.” No charges have yet been laid over the crash, which also saw a 64-year-old man taken to hospital and police are investigating whether a driver involved in the incident may have had a medical episode. Close family and friends have since set up a GoFundMe page to help the Donovan’s through this “unfathomable time”, raising over $27,000 has been raised for unexpected funeral costs and loss of work. Images: Facebook / Nine News

Caring

Kennedy and Ford's former estate hits the market

A gorgeous mid-18th century mansion previously owned by Henry Ford II has hit the market for £18.75 million ($33 million). Henry Ford II, the grandson of the founder of the Ford Motor Company, is one of the few famous people who have lived in the stunning two-storey estate known as Turville Grange. He purchased the home from former US President John F Kennedy’s sister-in-law, Princess Lee Radziwill in 1974. Among those who have lived in the beautiful home are President Kennedy and his wife Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis - Radziwill’s sister, Sir Evelyn de Rothschild and Michael Caine The five-bedroom home located just an hour away from London has been constantly renovated over the years to help create an “ideal family home”. Boasting a lavish lifestyle, the estate has four reception rooms, a beautiful marble kitchen, luxurious bedrooms, and offices to work in. To get to the backyard is one walks under a covered walkway to the courtyard where there is a one bedroom apartment perfect for staff or guests with its own kitchen and bathroom. Outside also includes a swimming pool for a cheeky dip during the warmer weather, a spa, as well as a gym. Images: Knight Frank

Real Estate

Tributes pour in for soldiers killed in army vehicle rollover

Tributes have flooded in for a man who died after an army vehicle rolled over near Townsville, with friends and family remembering him for his “heart of gold”. Brendon Payne has been identified as one of the two Australian Defence Force personnel who perished following the Monday afternoon crash. His 40-year-old colleague is yet to be identified, and the pair were members of the Brisbane-based 7th Combat Brigade. Emergency services responded to reports of the single vehicle crash on Dotswood Road, west of Townsville, with forensic investigators also attending the scene. Despite the efforts of both paramedics and Defence rescue and medical teams, both soldiers died at the scene. Police and the Department of Defence are investigating the incident. Mr Payne’s friends and family shared their heartbreak and tributes to the 29-year-old on social media. “Words cannot express the heartache my family and my brother and his family losing his 1st born,” Mr Payne’s aunt wrote. “Our beautiful aimee brendons wife and best friend know that we love you so very much and thankyou for coming into our lives but mostly for making our brendon the happiest man ever.” A friend said: “My brother I can’t even speak it’s like [a] dagger gone into my heart you are honestly one of my best friends my brother in arms you are and always will be my brother.” Another said Mr Payne would “stay with us all forever”. “His beautiful smile and gorgeous soul. We’re heartbroken,” she wrote. A third described Mr Payne as having a “heart of gold”. <img style="width: 500px; height:374.51171875px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843598/e50f501b206613a117551c6c51725e59.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/19462bfd73984876b5de5281815115e4" /> Image: Facebook Queensland Premier Anastacia Palaszczuk expressed her sympathies to the families of the two men on Tuesday. “I extend my sincere condolences to the family, friends and entire defence force community mourning the loss of two of their own in an army vehicle rollover in North Queensland yesterday,” she wrote on Twitter. Army Chief Lieutenant General Rick Burr said: “This is a tragic accident and our deepest sympathies go to the families and loved ones of our soldiers.” Defence Minister Peter Dutton shared the tragedy in Parliament on Monday, and Shadow Defence Minister Brendon O’Connor shared his deepest sympathy on behalf of Labor. “This is tragic news and we extend our condolences to their family, friends, and colleagues for this devastating loss,” he said. Image: Facebook

News

Study finds dancing to music can slow progression of Parkinson’s disease

After being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease at age 49, J.M. Tolani’s life was thrown upside down. He had to quit his job as a photojournalist and learn to cope with a new physical and emotional struggle. “I felt as though I had been hit by a truck. Everything felt like it came to a standstill. My life was altogether changed,” he said to WebMD. He was then introduced to a unique program called Dance for PD, which was recommended to him by a member of a support group he attended. Dance for PD is a specialised dance program for people with Parkinson’s disease, their families, friends, and care partners. The company was founded in 2001, with program director David Leventhal saying the program is designed to inspire. “[I] wanted to commit energy and time to working with people with Parkinson’s and sharing what we had learned with teaching artists around the world,” he says. After attending classes, Tolani felt his condition, and his emotional state, improve drastically. “I found I could move, and the dancing seemed to provide a replacement for the dopamine lost in the brain. Dancing motivates me and makes me happy, flexible, and mobile,” Tolani says. Tolani’s claims have been backed up by scientific research that shows individuals diagnosed with mild to moderate Parkinson’s had the progression of the disease slowed down by participating in regular dancing. Senior investigator Joseph DeSouza PhD said, “The classes were very beneficial for these individuals with PD, and we know that dance activates brain areas, even in people without PD.” Following an in-depth study, research showed that those with a mild condition who danced for an hour per week had a slower loss of their motor neuron function to those who didn’t. Tolani was able to return to his passion for photography, as he continues to move to the beat. “I take three to four classes a week, and they allow me to get out and meet people and interact with them. They put me in a good, positive state of mind,” he says. “I wake up and look forward to enjoying myself, and dancing with others in the Parkinson’s community, where I feel I’m allowed to completely be myself.” Image credit: Shutterstock

Music

New study offers hope to those with motor neurone disease

Motor neurone disease, also called amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), is a rare condition that slowly kills off nerve cells in the brain and spine, leading to paralysis and eventually death. Though currently incurable, <a rel="noopener" href="https://academic.oup.com/braincomms/article/3/3/fcab166/6340444" target="_blank">a new study</a> may have brought us closer to finding one. Scientists have taken lab samples of one form of ALS and been able to reverse one of the hallmark biological abnormalities the disease introduces in cells. Although this is yet to be applied in other forms of the disease or in human beings, the finding represents a large step forward in understanding how ALS could be combatted, providing some hope that the disease could one day be beaten. What the study found The researchers found that three RNA binding proteins, which help regulate RNA, get stuck in the wrong place for most people with ALS. Instead of staying in the motor neuron nucleus, they end up in the surrounding cytoplasm. The team then found that blocking a particular enzyme, called VCP, was able to reverse this in their human cell samples and return the distribution of RNA binding proteins in the nucleus and cytoplasm back to normal. According to the scientists, this suggests that this enzyme becomes mutated and overactive in some cases of ALS. “Demonstrating proof-of-concept for how a chemical can reverse one of the key hallmarks of ALS is incredibly exciting,” said Jasmine Harley, a neuroscientist from the Francis Crick Institute in the UK. “We showed this worked on three key RNA binding proteins, which is important as it suggests it could work on other disease phenotypes too.” The drug they used to inhibit the enzyme is also being tested in cancer trials, which could speed up its development and availability if it is found to help cancer patients and ALS patients. In a second study, published in the journal <a rel="noopener" href="https://academic.oup.com/brain/advance-article/doi/10.1093/brain/awab078/6164957" target="_blank">Brain</a>, the same researchers found over 100 types of RNA fragments, called intron-retaining transcripts, which can also move from the nucleus of cells into the cytoplasm in ALS cases. The researchers found that these fragments have sequences that bind to the RNA binding proteins, and they suspect these sequences are drawing the proteins out of the nucleus and into the cytoplasm. <img style="width: 0px; height: 0px;" src="/nothing.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/1f84fdb6755a48e884e50245585f3db4" /><img style="width: 500px; height: 433.3333333333333px;" src="https://oversixtydev.blob.core.windows.net/media/7843072/gettyimages-1129371731.jpg" alt="" data-udi="umb://media/1f84fdb6755a48e884e50245585f3db4" /> Image: Getty Images “To imagine what’s going on here we can consider watching a movie at the cinema,” neuroscientist Jacob Neeves explained. “Typically, we don’t expect to see adverts throughout the film, but, if something goes wrong these ads might start cropping up at odd and unexpected points. These retained introns are a little bit like these abnormal ad breaks.” Why this matters Though only 1-2 percent of ALS cases have the mutated enzyme the scientists found in the first study, both pieces of research add to our understanding of motor neurone disease. This additional information offers new hope that scientists could eventually figure out how to undo some of the damage that the disease causes to the brain and nervous system. “More research is needed to investigate this further,” Harley said. “We need to see if this might reverse other pathological hallmarks of ALS and also, in other ALS disease models.”

Mind

Diana’s car up for sale after decades in hiding

The Princess of Wales’ old car, given as an engagement gift from Prince Charles, will soon be sold after being kept in hiding for 20 years. The anonymous owner says she bought the vehicle because she is a “big fan” of Diana, and kept the 1981 Ford Escort Ghia Saloon as a second car, only driving it around her local town for years. The woman also says she refused to tell locals and neighbours who the vehicle originally belonged to. A car given to Princess Diana as an engagement present from Prince Charles will soon be sold at auction after its origins were kept secret for 20 years. Prince Charles gifted the car to his future bride in May 1981, and Diana drove it around until August 1982. It is expected to fetch between $54,000 - $73,000 when it goes under the hammer at the Reeman Dansie's Royalty, Antiques and Fine Art Sale in Essex on June 29. The car still holds its original registration WEV 297W, 83,000 miles (133,575 kilometres) on the clock and has meticulously retained its original paintwork and upholstery. A silver frog mascot given as a gift to the Princess of Wales by her sister, Lady Sarah Spencer still sits on the hood of the car, but is sadly just a replica. It was reportedly meant to represent the fairy tale of the girl who kisses a frog that later turns into a prince. Diana chose to keep the original frog when she sold the car. The woman who currently owns the car bought it for $10,000 in 1995 by an antiques dealer as a birthday present for his daughter, before it was passed on to the Diana-crazed fan. "Of course I knew when I bought it that it once belonged to Princess Diana, that is why I wanted it," the woman said to The Sun. "I was a big fan of hers. "I have driven it around as a second car ever since. A lot of people ask me why I had it and I used to tell them that it was my first car I passed my test in and that I was attached to it. "I felt that its history and provenance were so unique and I didn't want many people knowing."

Money & Banking

Urgent recall issued for Nissan and Mazda vehicles

Over 15,000 Mazda and Nissan cars have been issued with a recall notice over a pair of dangerous defects. A total of 14,460 Nissan Pathfinders and 2668 Mazda CX-30 Astinas are impacted by the recall. Both notices apply to cars sold nationwide. The Nissan recall applies to 2014-2015 R52 Pathfinders sold between September 2015 and January 2017. According to the ACCC, the stop lamp relay on the car may get stuck in the "on" position, which means it could be illuminated when the brakes aren't being applied. It could also result in the loss of engine power or prevent the driver from shifting the vehicle out of park. “This increases the risk of an accident and injury or death to vehicle occupants or other road users,” the ACCC said. Nissan will be contacting affected customers individually, to which they will be advised to reach out to their local dealership to organise an inspection and repair at no cost. The Mazda recall affects the 2020 model of the Mazda CX-30 (DM) Astina. According to the ACCC, the boot’s power liftgate may lower unexpectedly when the car is parked on an uphill slope in certain temperatures. “If the boot’s power liftgate partially lowers while a person is accessing the rear storage area of the vehicle, the liftgate may contact them, increasing the risk of injury,” the ACCC said. Mazda will also be contacting customers individually to organise a repair at no charge.

Legal

Man’s $114 fine for “ridiculous” reason causes fury

A man has copped a $114 fine for breaking a “ridiculous” parking rule that he had no idea about, and has warned others to be aware of the risks. The man claims he received a ticket from the NSW Police Force for "not locking doors secure windows", while parking on Military Road in North Bondi. "Don't accidentally leave your car window down in Bondi," he wrote on Facebook. Not pulling up your windows is against the law. NSW Road Rules states that a vehicle must be secured, if the driver is more than three metres from the closest part of the vehicle and no one is in the vehicle. Though, the legislation notes a window is secure "even if it is open by up to 2 centimetres". A driver can receive a maximum of 20 penalty points for leaving a window down. "I had no idea that was an offence," one person wrote in the comments of the man’s post. "This so Sydney," another person added. A third person said: "This is so stupid. Don't pay it and go to court." "It’s such a ridiculous fine. Revenue raising at it’s finest," someone else wrote.

Legal

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Study finds dancing to music can slow progression of Parkinson’s disease

New study offers hope to those with motor neurone disease

Diana’s car up for sale after decades in hiding

Urgent recall issued for Nissan and Mazda vehicles

Man’s $114 fine for “ridiculous” reason causes fury

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