'Incredible young man who loves history' dreams of Italy trip in race against time to raise funding

PEOPLE are being invited to support the dream of a young Southport man with a life limiting disease to enjoy a trip to Italy.

Noah Cunningham, who has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, was close to making the trip 3 years ago; and even got as far as getting on the aircraft before then having to get off again.

Now an urgent fundraising appeal has been launched by Karen Jessop to make the holiday happen this time for the keen young Evertonian and history lover.

People can donate via the Help Noah Achieve His Dream page on the GoFundMe website.

Karen Jessop said:- "Noah is an incredible young man who absolutely loves history. He's had a really difficult time of late and his palliative care team have said to do everything he wishes to do while he can. So the race is on. It's always been his dream to get to Rome and soak it all in real life and not just textbooks. A couple of years ago he saved up, planned the trip, boarded the plane but was then sadly de-boarded in front of everyone as they could not get his power chair on board, much to Noah's upset. He'd love to fulfill his dream of getting to Rome. Can you help by donating or sharing? Every penny counts."

Noah has Duchenne Muscular Dystrophy, a life limiting rare disease that cruelly strips away the things you used to be able to do. A simple hug, sitting up independently, brushing your teeth, taking a shower or turning over in your bed.

Karen said:- "Noah recently had a palliative care appointment, and unfortunately, the news wasn't what anyone hoped for. His gut and bowel are failing due to his DMD, and because it's caused by muscle deterioration, there's nothing that can be done to improve it. His team is now focused on keeping him comfortable and helping him achieve the things he wants to do. And what does Noah want? Simply to:- 'do normal things' stay in college, keep playing wheelchair football, and most of all, finally take his dream trip to Rome. 3 years ago, he saved up his 18th birthday money to go, only to be removed from the Ryanair plane when the airline refused to take his powerchair. Now, after carefully planning the trip again with carers to support him, the funding has been pulled, making it impossible for him to go. We need around £1000 per carer as Noah needs 24 hour care. It's heartbreaking to see this happen to someone as positive and determined as Noah, so I'm setting up a GoFundMe to help make his dream a reality. His Mum Vicki is going to fight the decision of retracting an agreement that his personal healthcare budget or PHB could be used towards his carers to go with him. If the fight is won then any donations will be used to go towards his bucket wish list. If you can donate, share, or even just spread the word, it would mean everything. Let's make this happen for him!"

Join the Biggest Music Careers Event in the North - Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Music Industry Careers Fest

THE largest annual music industry careers event for young people in the North of England is back. Delivered in partnership with leading music organisations including:- Universal Music, Spotify, UK Music, AdLib, PLASA, LIPA, Revere Arts and LIMF Academy, Music Industry Careers Fest is the perfect opportunity for anyone interested in a career in music to explore the industry, network with professionals, and connect with like minded individuals.

This year's event is proud to announce:- Jonny Abraham, composer, orchestral musician, and member of the band Public Service Broadcasting, as the Keynote Speaker. Jonny will be joined by Freelance Broadcaster Ellie Ajao for a Q&A to share his experience and insights into the dynamic world of music.

In addition to the keynote address, the Careers Fest will feature a range of engaging workshops, demonstrations, and talks from industry experts, including:-

•  'Careers in the Music Recording Industry' led by Bryan Johnson, Head of Artist and Industry Partnerships at Spotify
  

•  'Careers in Classical Music' presented by DECCA Records
  

•  'Social Media Planning in the Music Industry' hosted by Howard Monk, Chief Executive Officer, The WRD.

Other exciting offerings include a masterclass on networking, curating your CV, and presenting yourself in the best possible light for a career in music. Additionally, an interactive workshop will guide attendees on how to run a soundcheck, create a promo plan in just 30 minutes, and build a portfolio career.

With more to be announced, this event will cover a broad spectrum of career opportunities within the music industry, including:- performing, composing, songwriting, sound engineering, technical and production roles, music journalism, recording, management, music education, creative health, and much more.

Jordan Armstrong, Youth Company Producer at Liverpool Philharmonic, said:- "Working in the music industry is incredibly fulfilling but knowing where to start can feel very overwhelming. We're delighted that so many voices from leading music organisations have joined us to share their invaluable insight and expertise. The event will cover a broad spectrum of career opportunities including:- performing, composing, songwriting, sound engineering, technical and production roles, music journalism, recording, management and much more. We hope that anyone wanting to find out more about working in this fantastic industry comes by to benefit from the range of voices and opportunities available."

The Music Careers Marketplace will feature representatives and employers from leading organisations, including:- Universal Music UK, The Royal Northern College of Music, LIPA, UK Music, Access Industry, Ditto Music, FutureYard, JAMES (Joint Audio Media Education Support), Musician's Union, Resonate, SAE and ICMP, Scrapyard Studios, City of Liverpool College, Edge Hill University, University of Liverpool, The WRD, LMA, and WaterBear College of Music.

Tickets cost £10 for the entire day, Under 14s must be accompanied by an adult. Adults will need to purchase their own ticket. For more information visit:- LiverpoolPhil.Com.

Quotes from previous attendees and speakers...

2024 Careers Fest Attendee:- "I really enjoyed meeting so many amazing people in the industry. Everyone had such amazing things to say and knowledge in the sector. Particularly finding out about all the funding opportunities that are available was really useful to me."

2024 Careers Fest Attendee:- "The discussions have been really insightful and especially from people who work in the industry. It's an insight that we don't normally get to see."

2024 Careers Fest Attendee:- "As a young musician, it was really amazing to see these kinds of opportunities because it's the kind of thing I don't get to see at school when a lot of the teaching is aimed at other industries"

2024 Careers Fest Speakers:- "It's been fab to engage with young people interested in the industry and hear from like minded people and pick each other's brains. The energy has been really high and its lovely to see such a good array of different businesses and educational institutes creating a warm atmosphere. I feel inspired by things that the audience said and questions they asked. We've had really interesting conversations with people wanting to get into music journalism and it feels great to be able to help them out and share positive advice on how to create a viable path into the music industry. to be able to take the stage at the Liverpool Philharmonic Hall has been a dream fulfilled!"

Careers Fest attendee 2023:- "The talks from people working in the industry really inspired me to believe I could have a job or career in music."

Careers Fest attendee 2023:- "The Careers Marketplace was absolutely AMAZING!! Everyone was so passionate about what they do, and very encouraging."