HELPING HEATHER

Drink beer and help a mother fight an inoperable brain tumour at the same time. Black Sands Pacific Ale has been brewed in Glen Eden especially to help Heather Moore. All profits from its sale go towards helping pay the $80,000 a year that Moore needs to pay for the drug Avastin.

CAR CRASH

The Auckland Rescue Helicopter rescued two male patients involved in a motor vehicle accident in Muriwai on August 7. The back seat passenger, a male in his 20s, had been ejected from the vehicle and it had had to be lifted off him. He was in a serious condition. The driver, a male in his 30s, had got out of the vehicle and was suffering a finger injury but was in a minor condition.

ENVIRONMENT GRANTS

Projects that encourage the protection, restoration and enhancement of Auckland’s natural environment can now apply for grant of up to $40,000. The council’s Regional Environment and Natural Heritage grants programme is accepting applications until September 9. Go to tinyurl.com/ envirofund for more information.

VACCINE FUNDING

Boys will now be able to get the HPV vaccine. From January 2017, the HPV (human papillomavirus) vaccine will be available for all children and adults up to the age of 26 years, with boys included in the HPV school vaccination programme. The vaccine will also change to cover more strains of the virus in fewer doses. Health Minister Jonathan Coleman says protection against cervical cancer will be boosted by 20 per cent with the changes. ’’The change increases protectionfrom 70 per cent to 90 per cent. ’’As a result of these changes, an extra 100,000 New Zealanders are expected to be immunised.’’

DRY JULY

Kiwis taking part in Dry July 2016 have so far raised $322,000 to help to ease the burden for those affected by cancer. Dry July challenges Kiwis to go without alcohol for one month to support those with cancer. More than 2600 New Zealanders signed up for Dry July this year. Donations remain open until 31st August.t.