Many of us have been glued to our screens cheering on the Chilean miners. As a former miner myself I am over the moon about their heroic rescue from the depths of the earth.
It also highlights the continuing lack of safety in other countries, from many of which we import coal and where very many die each year. About 6,000 die every year in China alone. The UK should lead international debates about putting miners' safety first.
Nearer home, I have received news about the sterling work of local people concerning the disease Multiple Sclerosis (MS), a disabling neurological disorder affecting maybe 100,000 people nationwide.
Miscommunication in the central nervous system can cause blindness, immobility, pain, fatigue and depression. It is the most common disabling neurological disorder with most cases diagnosed between the ages of 20 and 40.
There is no cure but drugs can reduce the frequency and severity of symptoms whilst sensible diet, exercise, counselling and the support of friends, family and the community can make a great difference.
The MS Society is the UK's largest charity and funds research and care centres. Their Newcastle and Gateshead branch's Drop In programme offers refreshments, exercise classes, alternative therapies, and a place where MS sufferers can lend each other support and information.
Drop In programmes take place at the Lemington Centre in Newcastle and at the Thomas Hepburn School in Felling.
The Gateshead events are every second Monday from 12-3 p.m. with the next one being on Monday 25 October.
More information, including possible transport to the meeting, is at www.mssociety.org.uk/newcastle or by emailing newcastlegateshead@mssociety.org.uk and on 0191 267 0594 or 07527 397566.
Finally, just to let you know that I have been appointed to Ed Miliband's new frontbench team as a Whip. I will help build our team and ensure we make the most of our job as an opposition in holding the government to account. We had a good leadership contest but that's now settled and it's now time to rein in the recklessness of this government, defend jobs and services as far as possible, devise a reasonable and convincing alternative and get ourselves in shape to win power back at the next election.
Newcastle Chronicle and Journal
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