A dance teacher diagnosed with Tourette’s syndrome – meaning she has unpredictable tics where she whistles, blinks and sometimes swears – has said watching Lewis Capaldi’s “beautiful” Glastonbury performance left her “speechless” and she wants to raise awareness of the incurable condition so others do not feel “lost or alone”. Bryony Munro, 24, a dance teacher who lives in Scotland, started experiencing symptoms of Tourette’s syndrome – a condition which causes a person to make involuntary sounds and movements called tics – when she was 12 as she started to spontaneously hiccup. However, it was not until her early 20s, in summer 2021 – when her limbs started “jerking all the time” and she developed other tics, such as whistling, clearing her throat and blinking – that she received an official diagnosis, which she described as “bittersweet”. “I was very happy to have that definition, but then knowing what comes with that was very daunting and scary; I was terrified,” Bryony told PA Real Life. In the years leading up to her diagnosis, Bryony said people would stare at her in public, whisper, and talk behind her back, saying “She’s making it up” or “She’s faking it” – and this made her realise that “people are very misinformed of what Tourette’s is”. “People treated me differently because they didn’t believe I was telling the truth and they tried to tear me down,” she said. “I wish they would have just asked me questions rather than making up rumours behind my back that aren’t true.” Bryony has since set up her own Instagram and TikTok accounts to address the most common misconceptions about Tourette’s, as she wants to raise awareness of the condition, but the “outlets” that have helped her through her darkest times are music, singing and dancing. She said performing in front of an audience can be “terrifying” when you have Tourette’s, but she believes Capaldi’s moving performance at Glastonbury, where he appeared to struggle with an increasing number of tics while singing his hit song Someone You Loved, will help to change the way the condition is perceived. “It was almost like an out-of-body experience because I just put myself in his shoes,” she said. “My heart broke – not in a bad way – but seeing the amount of love he received from his fans left me speechless, it was just beautiful, and having so many people watch that live or online just brings so much awareness and takes the pressure off the Tourette’s community because they are beginning to see what it’s really like for people with the condition.” Tourette’s syndrome is a condition that causes a person to make involuntary sounds and movements called tics, and there is no cure, the NHS says. Tics are not usually harmful to overall health, but physical manifestations, such as jerking of the head, can be painful, and may be worse during periods of stress or anxiety. Bryony’s first tic came in the form of a hiccup or “inhale of breath”, which did not affect her daily life at the time, but her symptoms progressively worsened. Her tics became debilitating during the Covid pandemic, which led to her diagnosis in 2021, but her lack of knowledge about the condition initially left her feeling “terrified”. Her other diagnoses of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, depression and functional neurological disorder (FND) – which affects how the brain receives and sends information to the rest of the body and can cause Bryony to have absence seizures – added to her concerns as she feared she would have a “constant battle with her mind and body”. “I think seeing how it was presented on TV and in the media, and initially having my own misconceptions about Tourette’s, made me feel terrified to have to live with it,” she said. “Tics can be very damaging as there are very aggressive tics that can make you kick, punch, jump and literally jump out into oncoming traffic, which is terrifying. “When my tics first started getting worse, I had this punching tick where I punched a wall, but some of my other tics, like my toes wrinkling, are not visible to others. “I was very much in the dark to begin with, but doing research and reaching out to people was probably the best thing I could have done.” While Bryony’s tics have not put her in any life-threatening situations, she said daily tasks, such as brushing her teeth or doing her make-up, can be challenging and time-consuming. She cannot drive and, on days when her tics are particularly bad, she cannot cook, style her hair with straighteners or curlers, or use the kettle, as she could hurt herself. “It’s so unpredictable and, right now, I’m not able to go anywhere on my own just in case I do have an episode where I might hurt myself,” she explained. Bryony has “tools” to manage her Tourette’s, such as using stress toys to “keep (her) hands busy”, but she said she does not know where she would be without music, singing and dancing. She teaches dance to pupils ranging from two-and-a-half years old to 30, and said focusing on something else “helps (her) tics melt away for a little while”. She is training her golden retriever puppy Nala, whose name was inspired by Disney’s The Lion King, to become an assistance dog so she can “live a more normal life” in the future. “Having that independence back again from taking Nala into work, to do shopping, maybe to go to the gym, it will be so relieving; the pressure will be enormously decreased,” she said. “Even the social anxiety of being out of the house, having her with me will just be so good for me.” Bryony, who lives with her “incredibly supportive” fiance Matthew, 31, a chef, wants to continue raising awareness of Tourette’s, and is even more inspired to educate others after Capaldi’s performance at Glastonbury in June, as she has seen the “love” he has received and does not want anyone to feel “lost or alone”. “Knowing he had the support of every single person there; I couldn’t imagine the amount of love that he must have felt,” she said. “I felt it through watching it through my phone, I fully felt all of that.” She added: “You never know anyone’s full story or full life story, so accepting people for who they are, and accepting yourself for who you are, is probably the best advice I can give. “Also, just be kind because you have no idea what anyone is going through.” You can follow Bryony on Instagram or TikTok @brydoeslife Read More ‘Long Covid has taken away my ability to eat food or urinate in three years’ Grimes says her and Elon Musk’s three-year-old child X ‘knows a lot about rockets’ How many steps a day can cut risk of early death (and it’s not 10,000) ‘Long Covid has taken away my ability to eat food or urinate in three years’ Grimes says her and Elon Musk’s three-year-old child X ‘knows a lot about rockets’ How many steps a day can cut risk of early death (and it’s not 10,000)

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If you’re lucky enough to have secured tickets for Glastonbury 2023, you’ll soon be packing up your camping gear, sunnies and snacks ready for five days of musical magic. Wondering what to wear this year? While your wardrobe will be somewhat dictated by the weather, all being well you’ll be able to bust out some fabulous summer outfits for dancing the days and nights away. We asked style experts for their predictions on the festival fashion trends that will be taking over Worthy Farm this year… Crochet “Crochet is a must-have festival fashion trend this year for so many reasons,” says Talia Johnson, senior creative manager at PrettyLittleThing, who thinks bolder is better when it comes to the boho look. “Opt for a versatile crochet co-ord set in a vibrant colour of your choice,” she suggests. “If the Somerset weather isn’t up to par, a crochet set can easily be matched with a faux fur coat for a really breezy day or a cropped denim jacket for a ‘just in case’ scenario.” Celebrity stylist and presenter Kay Wyer is loving the retro 70s glam look. “This trend is all about crochet anything and everything, like cut-out tops and wide-leg trousers teamed with embellished belts,” she says. “If boho chic isn’t your thing, you can add a fringed jacket or shorts to a simpler, minimal outfit or accessorise your look with a crochet hat.” Matalan Pink Swing Crochet Lace Vest Top, £19 FatFace Crochet Phone Bag, £25 Cowgirl cool PrettyLittleThing Shape Indigo Denim Raw Hem Edge Cropped Jacket, £23 (was £25); Shape Indigo Denim Low Rise Micro Mini Skirt, £20 (was £22), boots, stylist’s ownThe cowgirl trend is still going strong, and this summer there are two ways to wear it. “The coastal cowgirl trend is a Western-inspired style that has taken over social media this year and is simple to embrace into your festival style,” says Johnson, who recommends double denim outfits to “perfectly combat unpredictable UK weather”. And, of course, cowboy boots: “There are so many different styles when it comes to cowboy boots, whether it’s a suede material, a fringed hem or a stitch detail, the choice is yours and you’ll certainly stand out in the crowd.” The other, more colourful, cowgirl look is ‘Western Barbie’. “Unlike your usual cowgirl outfit with muted tones and washed-out denim shorts, this trend is bold and vibrant,” Wyer says. “It’s all about layering up an all-pink outfit, adorned with embellishment or metallics and paired with some eye-catching cowboy boots. Be sure to have at least one statement piece – you can’t go too far with this look.” Oliver Bonas Glam Metallic Cowboy Hat, £29.50 Goldsmith Vintage Striped Pattern Shorts, £32.95 Suit up A jazzy jumpsuit or printed playsuit is your shortcut to festival cool. “From dazzling sequins to shimmery mesh, to bell sleeves and an extreme halter neck, all-in-ones are practical yet glamorous fashion statements that you can quickly throw on and go,” says Johnson. “For even more bust support while dancing the day away, feel free to wear a brightly coloured bikini underneath to highlight the raver vibe.” Very X Lucy Mecklenburgh Long Sleeve Bardot Beach Playsuit, £25 Mesh moment A trend that started on the catwalks last year, mesh and macrame fabrics are big news this summer. “Mesh can be playful and edgy or sheer and sexy, depending on how much you want to cover,” says Wyer. “You can opt for a beachy open-knit dress or a flowy sheer ensemble, worn over a silk slip dress or a bikini and shorts. Team with a pair of statement sunglasses and some chunky boots and you’re good to go.” River Island Orange Mesh Long Sleeve Top, £26 Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live 11 ways to work white into your interiors Archewell donates £10,000 to get diverse book in all secondary schools How to react kindly to people with Tourette’s – and what not to say

A study has found that paying more for clothes doesn’t always mean they will last longer. Researchers at the School of Design at the University of Leeds performed durability tests on 65 items of clothes retailing from under £5 to around £150. The research showed that durability of both high and low-priced garments ranged from excellent to very poor. Durability refers to how long an item of clothing remains functional and wearable, without requiring much maintenance or repair when faced with normal wear and washing. T-shirts, hoodies and jeans were assessed for several factors including seam strength, resistance to ripping, colour bleeding, shrinking or losing shape. The research – commissioned by environmental charity Hubbub and retailer Primark – found women’s T-shirts priced under £10 outperformed one retailing at around £40. While hoodies priced between £11 and £20 were ranked higher on the durability scale than those priced at just under £50 and around £100. Only negligible differences in durability were found for a pair of women’s jeans priced at around £15 compared to a pair retailing at more than 10 times the price. Of all the garments tested, only menswear hoodies showed consistently higher performance than the lower priced ones. Alongside the study, Hubbub commissioned a survey of 3,000 UK adults on attitudes towards clothing care, revealing that 67% of people expect expensive clothes to last longer. The poll also found people tend to take more care when it comes to costly items, with 64% more likely to hang them up after wearing, 62% removing spills and stains, and 54% willing to carry out repairs. “Durability must become central to the debate on sustainability,” said Aoife Allen, director and fashion lead at Hubbub. “Durable clothes reduce the need for replacement purchases, increase the chance of a longer second life and offer better value for money – a significant concern in the context of the current cost of living crisis.” Other issues can also be considered when thinking about the environmental and social impact of your clothes – such as the materials used in production and transparency of the supply chain. Allen believes retailers and consumers alike must help to tackle the huge issue of clothing waste. “The fashion industry should be designing clothing to last longer, and we can help to make people aware of the simple steps that they can take to help all their clothes last longer,” Allen continues. “This research highlights that the same level of care should be given to all garments, regardless of price, to extend their life as much as possible.” So how do you make clothes last longer? Wash at lower temperatures High temperatures can cause clothes to fade more quickly and they aren’t necessary unless garments are very dirty, “For general washing of clothes that aren’t visibly stained, try washing at 30 degrees or lower and use the eco-setting on washing machines,” says Stephanie Campbell, senior creative partner (fashion) at Hubbub. “Most detergents now clean very well at low temperatures. Try using a shorter washing cycle which can also help prevent clothes from degrading.” Get to grips with care labels It’s important to check the instructions on care labels, especially when washing for the first time, to avoid any disasters. “Following the care symbols helps to avoid shrinking or damaging clothes and helps you care for them in the best possible way, so take the time to check them before washing,” says Campbell. For example, some delicate fabrics shouldn’t go in the washing machine, while others should be put in a net bag to protect them. Only wash an item when you really need to Chucking clothes in the laundry basket after every wear can have a detrimental impact on durability. “Washing clothing too much can cause colours to fade and the garment to start to break down,” says Campbell. “Unless an item is visibly dirty or has a stubborn stain, try spot cleaning marks or airing out odours to keep your clothes looking fresh.” Act fast if you spill something, she adds: “Remember to always treat stains as soon as you can – the longer you leave them the harder they are to get out.” Air your clothes out Air drying is the best way to keep clothes in good shape – as long as you pay attention to the ‘dry flat’ warning on the care label for certain items such as those made from cotton, linen or silk. “Tumble drying can shrink or damage items, so air drying can help to keep outfits fitting well and in good condition,” says Campbell. “It reduces energy bills too.” Repair instead of replacing Try to stick to the ‘make do and mend’ adage no matter how much you paid for an item. Campbell says: “Making a quick fix on a hole as soon as you’ve noticed or finding a local tailor that offers repairs is a simple way to get more wear out the clothes you’ve got and keep on enjoying your favourite items.” Love what you’ve got Sustainable fashion influencers know that ‘shopping your wardrobe’ is key to reducing your clothing waste – and saving money. “Enjoy what you already own, or swap with pals,” says Campbell. “Mix and match what’s in your wardrobe to create new outfits. Add accessories and embellishments or make alterations to update an item and breathe new life into it.” Read More Charity boss speaks out over ‘traumatic’ encounter with royal aide Ukraine war’s heaviest fight rages in east - follow live Chanel is set to host a fashion show in Manchester 4 key men’s swimwear trends to rock this summer 10 ways to style up your picnic

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