MICHAEL PUTS ‘BREAST’ FOOT FORWARD

Crewe Lyceum’s Front of House Manager is putting his ‘breast’ foot forward this February to raise money and awareness for a charity close to his heart. Michael Carter is walking 100 miles in a month for the World Cancer Research Fund – which aims to improve survival rates and help make breast cancer treatment more effective and kinder on patients.

Dedicating his month-long mission to the memory of his mum Sue – who sadly passed away from the disease in 2014 – this will be the fourth time Michael has undertaken a challenge for charity.

He said: “Seeing what my mum and step mum went through with their diagnosis, surgeries and after-care was heart-breaking. They were two strong women literally reduced to shells of their former selves.

“My first ever tattoo was the breast cancer pink ribbon and there’s not a day goes by that I don’t think of mum – especially when I want to share some news or want a gossip (she loved a good gossip).

“Survival rates are getting better all the time and so are the treatments, and it’s thanks to charities like the World Cancer Research Fund that help, so I want to do everything I can. I’m already thinking of my next one – maybe a sky dive.”

To donate to Michael’s fund,  please scan the QR code.

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CHANGING LIVES IN CREWE

In other Crewe news, the Lyceum Theatre recently partnered with the powerful touring production Myra’s Story to support two local charities following their recent performance.

Myra’s Story is a gripping one-woman play performed by acclaimed actor Fionna Hewitt-Twamley. The solo production follows Myra, a Dublin woman who has fallen on hard times and now finds herself homeless, living on the streets. Currently on a nationwide tour, the production marks its second visit to Crewe, continuing to raise awareness of homelessness and the complex social issues surrounding it.

As part of the show’s ongoing commitment to giving back, Myra’s Story supports local causes at every venue it visits. A key feature of the production is the donation of a garden bench – the main prop used in the play – which is gifted to a local charity. In Crewe, the bench was gratefully accepted by The Wishing Well charity, where it will be used as part of their garden project within their supported adults programme.

In addition, local charity Chance Changing Lives was invited to hold a bucket collection at the performance. Thanks to the generosity of audience members, an impressive £773.48 was raised to support their work helping people facing homelessness and hardship in the Crewe area.

The collaboration between the Lyceum Theatre, Myra’s Story, and local charities highlights the powerful role theatre can play in sparking conversation, raising awareness, and making a tangible difference within the community.

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ADAM’S AIMING FOR MARATHON VICTA-RY

Trafalgar’s Marketing Campaign Director, Becky Pepper, talks to Ensemble about her daughter’s rare genetic condition

Last August, our wonderful daughter Elodie was registered as Severely Sight Impaired (SSI), or legally blind, if we want to get technical. She was born with a rare genetic condition, which means her body doesn’t produce enough melanin, the pigment that gives colour to the skin, hair, and eyes. Melanin plays a crucial role in developing the retina, and in Elodie’s case, this lack of pigment has had a significant impact on her vision. In her three short years, she has already attended countless hospital appointments and undergone many tests.

It’s fair to say this has been a journey for our family as we learn to navigate a world we never expected to be part of. Like many parents in similar situations, I’ve spent long nights researching, seeking support, and working closely with the early years education team to make sure Elodie has everything she needs to thrive. Her determination keeps us going, she is bright, funny, determined, and full of curiosity. She approaches the world in her own way, and we are endlessly proud of her.

My partner, Adam, has channelled his energy into something positive, he’s running this year’s London Marathon for VICTA, a UK charity supporting children and young adults with sight loss. VICTA builds confidence, independence, and essential life skills through activities, family support, and outdoor adventures.

I’m passionate about sharing our story to raise awareness and challenge the myths surrounding her condition, Albinism and Visual Impairments. For instance, being ‘legally blind’ very rarely means seeing nothing. Elodie’s functional vision is around six metres. Blindness exists on a spectrum that varies widely from person to person, and even from moment to moment for e.g. lighting, sunshine, illness or being tired are all things which have an impact on her vision.

There are many misconceptions about Albinism itself. Individuals in some countries believe the condition to be bad luck, and many assume people with the conditional have red eyes. Elodie has beautiful blue eyes but because melanin isn’t there to absorb light, it reflects back as a reddish glow in certain lighting. Her eyes are extremely sensitive to bright conditions, hence her impressive sunglasses collection! She also has Nystagmus, often called ‘dancing eyes,’ where her eyes constantly move back and forth. This affects her depth perception and her ability to judge size and distance, which can make her a little clumsy, but it certainly doesn’t stop her from trying to play football with her two big brothers. She loves being active, running, climbing and exploring things outdoors.

By supporting this fundraiser, you’ll help ensure children like Elodie have the same opportunities to grow, explore, and thrive alongside their peers. Any donation would mean so much to our family and to the incredible work VICTA does. Thank you for your support.