Sophie Mei

Sheffield played host to eight thousand runners as part of the Bupa Great Yorkshire 10k Run last Sunday. One of whom was Eastender’s Nasty Nick who hurtled to the ground during the race.

The incident happened as the runners headed for Hillsborough football ground to reach the 5k mark. John Altman AKA ‘Nasty Nick’ sprinted in front of Richard McCourt “Dick” (from ‘Dick and Dom’) and tripped on a pothole, which sent him to the ground.

Altman who had his bleeding hand bandaged at the finish line said:

“It was quite a shock as I had just been gazing up at Hillsborough football ground and like them, I too went down.

I do hope to be in Sheffield again however, either for next year’s race or with my band at the 02 Academy.”

John Altman has now left the East End for a career in Rock music as he has recently set up his new band ‘Heavy Metal Kids.’ You can watch their first single ‘Uncontrollable’ here.

Amongst the elite athletes, running clubs and amateur runners were a few other familiar faces from Emmerdale, Coronation St and Eastenders.

Bupa’s nominated charity this year was the Alzheimer’s Society, which I ran for along with eight hundred others.  One of whom was Sheffield’s Richard McCourt AKA ‘Dick’ from the duo ‘Dick and Dom.’

Richard McCourt was back on home turf for the weekend to participate in the run and see his Sheffield-based family, which includes his mother who suffers from dementia.

Alzheimer’s Society Director of Fundraising and Marketing, Jo Swinhoe, said: ‘We really appreciate the efforts of everyone who fundraises for us as we rely on voluntary income to support people with dementia and their carers and undertake our vital dementia research.

The 10k race was finished off by a fun run for kids and a ‘Bands on the Run’ stage in Sheffield’s Peace Gardens.

By  Sophie Mei

Sheffield played host to eight thousand runners as part of the Bupa Great Yorkshire 10k run on Sunday 6^th September 2010.

Amongst the elite athletes, running clubs and amateur runners were a few familiar faces from Emmerdale, Coronation St and Eastenders.

Bupa’s nominated charity this year was the Alzheimer’s Society, which I ran for along with eight hundred others. Two of whom were Eastender’s John Altman AKA ‘Nasty Nick’ and Sheffield’s Richard McCourt AKA ‘Dick’ from the duo ‘Dick and Dom.’

The pair has experience of close relatives suffering from Dementia and avidly continues to support the charity.

John Altman has now left the East End for a career in Rock music as he has recently set up his new band ‘Heavy Metal Kids.’ You can watch their first single ‘Uncontrollable’ here.

Richard McCourt was back on home turf for the weekend to participate in the run and see his Sheffield-based family, which includes his mother who is currently suffers from dementia.

The 10k race was finished off by a fun run for kids and a ‘Bands on the Run’ stage in Sheffield’s Peace Gardens.

Some issues that really do matter and, others that just amaze MEI…

Coming up there is everything from reality TV to health, crime and the Olympics. Just click on the link to read more…

- Reality is ‘mental’: Has the nation gone mad or the media?

- Olympic Gold: Athlete’s may have to settle for bronze

- Trapped: have you ever been trapped for a substantial length of time?

- Exam Results: It’s pointless blowing your own flute

- Worldwide web: the addiction

- Social networking: Crime or Just Business

- Pope pops in: 16th September 2010

- Beauty and the Beastly: Channel 4 on beauty

- Commoditisation: Should we pay people to donate eggs, sperm and organs?

- Time to Change: Sheffield and beyond

- Get Moving Week: Mind Charity

- Weird Websites: Finally found what you’ve been looking for?

- Bye bye BLOCKBUSTER

- Cheaters: Sport faces a challenge

Fake blood, sweat and bets..

The Sheff Guide: September- October

Brought to you by MEI International: Delivering Substance with Style

September

It’s like the worst Sunday feeling ever when September arrives, the kids are kitted up in their uniforms, SBS Removals have moved all of the new tenants’ furniture in – all ready for a September term at University and work.

Once everyone’s settled, you’ll be ready for some Fun Lovin’ Criminals at Plug on 3^rd September. You then have enough time to recover for 5^th September, as it’s the BUPA Yorkshire Run. You can join Sheffield’s Dick (from Dick and Dom), Hugh Dennis (comedian), Tony Audenshaw (Emmerdale) and me – Sophie Mei. We’ll be raising money for the Alzheimer’s Society helping lead the fight against dementia – you can find out more here http://www.alzheimers.org.uk/

It’s always advisable to have a post-run treat and word on the street is that Sheffield designers Roc & Doll are having a sample sale where you can buy your designer goods on 10^th October in Darnall (Sheffield’s shabby-chic Shoreditch).

You can even complete the look on 12th September at new bar – Alibi with their Mizani hair show by Toni&Guy in aid of Help A Hallam Child

Where art thou this month? As Hamlet is on at Crucible Theatre from 16^th September – 23^rd October – I’m going to see Mr. Hamlet opposed to Michael Buble’s Concert, which has already sold out at Hallam FM Arena.

Finish the month off on a buonissimo high as Fargate will be home to an Italian Market from 24^th – 28^th September.

October

No excuse not to be active this October as there is something for everyone from Chinese Pole at Greentop Circus on 2^nd October to bopping at the Manic Street Preachers gig at 02 Academy on 6^th October.

Even if you’re papa don’t preach you can still ‘say a little prayer’ at the Wedding/Civil Partnership showcase on 10^th October at Sheffield Town Hall.

October’s always a funny month, as there’s not much on until Halloween and tinsel season strikes. Luckily for us Sheffielders however, October is jam-packed with the Magners Grin Up North Comedy Festival. We can have the last laugh with acts such as Jimmy Carr, Dara O’Brian and Sheffield’s very own Toby Foster.

Even closer to home, is the chance to find out about fostering in Sheffield, a service that is in great need of your support in order to be sustainable in helping care for young people. The Fostering Information Evening takes place on 13^th October at Quaker Meeting House.

The one man who has a tan that I even can’t compete with is John Barrowman who will be performing at Sheffield City Hall on 14th October… there’s no business like show business…

Have a good couple of months and we’ll be back for the (deep breath) Christmas issue… I can hear the bells…

MEI Motto: September’s the new New Year for us big kids. SO get your dancing shoes on for a party workout in a Zumba (mixed) class or ladies can shake their bon bons at a Bellydance (women only) class at Sophie Mei Schools.

Check out www.sophiemeischools.com

To get your event featured in The Sheff Guide –

Email: MIS@sophiemei.net or add Sophie on http://twitter.com/sophiemei

London Love

I never thought I’d say It but I feel a slight love for our capital – London. This month seems to have been London centric with the launch of the Olympics – London 2012 Open Weekend, the famous closure of ‘democracy village’ and I worked down south to get my dance teaching qualification.

Open weekend

We had our very own London 2012 Open Weekend launch in Leeds. The national theme was to ‘take on a challenge’ and be active. So in true Yorkshire style myself and several over performers gathered in Trinity Square to launch Yorkshire’s Open weekend. I was joined by cricketers doing Tai Chi, a Bollywood flashmob and Fellow Britain’s Got Talent finalist – Christopher Stone.

The event was organized by Yorkshire Gold who worked with LOCOG to organize the lovely carnival style event.

My favourite moment was when the head of Yorkshire Gold was introducing Christopher Stone: “this man to my right, has done so well for himself and for Yorkshire…” at this point a drunken man scuttled on to the stage shouting “what’s going on?”

Personally, two years too long – I cannot wait to host the games I think it’s going to be one of the most exciting events in the UK in this decade. Although, I’m sure Champion Jessica Ennis and other athletes are in no hurry.

Step to London

Reluctantly, I had to go to London to take my Exercise to Music teaching course. The latter I was pleased about as I have always wante an official qualification in sport but I’m not a big fan of staying in the Capital for more than one weekend.

Nontheless, I managed the tube, buses and crowds for the week and really enjoyed it. It helped staying with my sister who’s a fashion designer, so I spent the week borrowing her clothes and jewellery as well as training in the dance studio everyday.

Step up to Sheffield

I then spent my usual busy week in Sheffield – teaching dance, practicing in studio, running, radio and general admin bits.

Although, on thing I did do is see Step Up in 3d – so cheesy but you got to love it – we love falling for the dream from rags to riches and love… and with the advancement with 3d technology you feel as if you can live in these movies too!

Shake it like Shakira

When travelling BACK down South to complete my Studio Instructor course I came across this article in Look Magazine on Shakira… and low and behold… she thanks her toned abs to BELLYDANCE!