Latest news with #SheliMcCoy
Daily Record
11-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Lanarkshire pupils support charities through Youth and Philanthropy Initiative
Teams from four local schools were invited to showcase their successes at the programme's national celebration Pupils from four Lanarkshire secondary schools showcased their successes in earning grants totalling tens of thousands of pounds for local charities at a national event celebrating the Youth and Philanthropy Initiative (YPI). Groups from St Margaret's in Airdrie, Coatbridge High, Bellshill Academy and East Kilbride school St Andrew's & St Bride's were all on stage before 800 guests at the YPI national event in Perth to highlight the issues and good causes they have supported by taking part in the project to access grants from the Wood Foundation. The programme sees teams of pupils research the work of chosen charities and deliver pitches in a school competition with judges then choosing a winning team who earn £3000 to present to their good cause – with Carluke High being the latest to host their competition at the end of term and the donation going to the town's dementia hub. Both the Coatbridge and St Andrew's & St Bride's groups highlighted how parental addiction can affect young people and shared what help is available, while St Margaret's High shared a presentation on mental health triggers and the Bellshill Academy group focused on suicide prevention, taking inspiration from the format of game show The 1% Club. They were among 12 schools across Scotland invited to take part in the annual event, with the theme of 'be the change' and recognising pupils' work in 'taking time to understand the challenges faced by others, championing causes close to their hearts and demonstrating a genuine dedication to social responsibility'. Pupils also heard an inspiring keynote speech from Gladiators star Sheli McCoy and a performance by Scottish young live artist of the year Ben Walker. Run by the Wood Foundation as its 'flagship UK investment', YPI has seen pupils from 280 Scottish schools take part this year, with the combined total of their £3000 grants for local charities reaching £840,000 in the past year and £8.5 million since the scheme started in 2008. Chairman Garreth Wood said: 'The passion, empathy and commitment on display at this year's YPI national event were truly inspiring. It is our hope that this experience encourages young people to continue their involvement in their communities, whether through volunteering, advocacy or by remaining actively engaged in local initiatives.' Pupils at Carluke High staged their school's presentation final last term with groups of youngsters researching local community issues and giving engaging and persuasive presentations on local charities tackling the issues they are passionate about. Mairi McAllan, the Clydesdale MSP, joined the judging panel for the YPI final showcase, with the winning team promoting the work of St Andrew's dementia hub and earning the welcome donation for the good cause. She said; 'The standard of each presentation from pupils was very high, and it was incredibly tough to choose which team would win the prize of £3000 for their charity. My congratulations to the fab winning team and thanks to the school, YPI, Ms Henderson and Mr Duffy for inviting me along to take part.' * Don't miss the latest headlines from around Lanarkshire. Sign up to our newsletters here.
Scottish Sun
30-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
BBC star's war with council over £75k gym she built WITHOUT planning permission
The star says ultimately her ego led to the mistake BAD FIT BBC star's war with council over £75k gym she built WITHOUT planning permission Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) Sabre from Gladiators reboot has revealed that she spent £75,000 building a gym without planning permission and was told by a council to knock it down. Sheli McCoy said that her 'ego' destroyed the gym, because she didn't have the patience to wait for permission to build it. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 4 Sabre with some of her Sweatbox team 4 The Scottish weightlifter, 36, said she had been 'pigheaded', and the experience was 'very humbling and very expensive' 4 Sabre from Gladiators says her own ego led to the costly mistake The Scottish weightlifter, 36, said she had been 'pigheaded', and the experience was 'very humbling and very expensive'. McCoy told the My Time Capsule podcast: "Do you know what, I suppose there's a lesson I've learned in life about patience and it came at the cost of an entire business to me. "So I wish I'd never been pigheaded enough to think that I would always succeed, because I did think that. "I opened my very first gym - so my gym now is called SweatBox Dundee, but my very first gym was also SweatBox Dundee, but we just affectionately discuss it as SweatBox 1.0. "Then now this is SweatBox 2.0. "Anyway, I opened this gym in an environment in Dundee, and it was meant to have been an industrial space, big units. "They were brand new, so they'd never been used before. "So I basically took on two from the guy that built them, built a gym, poured in £75,000 and then couldn't get planning permission. "And they wouldn't let me make the change of use to category 11, which would have been leisure and public use. "For a gym, that's what you would need in Scotland. Scots Gladiator star Sheli McCoy reveals bizarre fan requests that left her gobsmacked "It was category 4, 5, and 6, which is warehouse, industrial, and storage, and that's it. "People can't inhabit it, you can't work there on a daily basis, you just keep stuff in there. "And I fought it, I fought it and fought it and fought it and fought it and ultimately, the council said no. "Dundee City Council said no, and they gave us a 90 days to move notice. "Having built this gym, and we opened the gym, because when your application is in, you can work, you can actually trade. "So the gym was open only for a couple of months, and then Covid hit, and we closed for 14 months. "And in those 14 months, I still fought with the council, and since all businesses and all trade had ceased, particularly in leisure and public, they wouldn't have moved us on then because the industry had shut down. "So for 14 months, I changed my business plan with my business partner, and we trained people outside at distance when it was allowed. "We trained people on Zoom every morning, every night. "We gave out all of our kit to all of our members, and so we stayed afloat for 14 months, and we're still a functioning business. "And then we opened again for another 10 weeks, and in that time, they gave me a 90 days to move notice. "And I was so angry. I was the most angry I've ever been. "But as I was older, it was actually a day that I was giving a seminar, and I was talking about resilience and how I built my resilience. "It was during that seminar, I was about to go in on Dundee City Council, as you do. "And instead, I looked at the screen and I looked at my notes, and I went, do you know what? "This was actually my fault. "I swear to God, it hit me in that seminar, that it was actually my fault. "Like, that was my inability to be patient. "If I had asked for that and they had said no, I would never have poured £75,000 into a building I wouldn't have been able to use as a gym. 4 Gladiators star Sabre "But my idea was like everyone will love this, I'll succeed. "Everything I touch turns to gold, this will work, was actually my own failing for myself. "And I think a very, very tough lesson to learn, very humbling and very expensive. "But I guess I wish I could, if there's one thing I wish I'd never done or I could forget, it's that - my inability to be patient and to think that I would always succeed. "Because funnily enough, Ryan Holiday has another book called Ego is the Enemy. "And after I read that book, I believe it's that book that brought me to the realisation that my ego destroyed SweatBox 1.0, not Dundee City Council."
Daily Record
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Hollywood actor Brian Cox leads tributes to Pride of Scotland's unsung heroes
Stars reveal why they loved taking a backseat to award winners at 2025 People's Oscars IT was a night of celebration, camaraderie and rousing applause for life-affirming examples of heroism and dedication to others. The Daily Record Pride of Scotland Awards with P&O Cruises saw a host of stars turn out to recognise the courage and selfless determination shown by the nation's unsung heroes. Hosted by Elaine C Smith and Sanjeev Kohli, the glittering event at Glasgow's Hilton was an uplifting Celebrities including Succession star Brian Cox, Gladiator Sheli McCoy and footballers Billy Gilmour and Jack Butland were queuing up to sing the praises of the inspirational winners of our 'People's Oscars.' Here is just a selection of the warm words they shared on the night. Scotland's First Minister John Swinney hailed cycling champion Sir Chris Hoy as Scotland's Champion. He said: 'Sir Chris is an absolute sporting legend who has achieved so much but then in the face of adversity has demonstrated the strength and resolve which is of course so characteristic of all of the Pride of Scotland winners.' Scotland and Napoli footballer said of Teenager of Courage Georgie Hyslop: 'You'll never see her without a smile. I went and visited her and she played the guitar for me. I left the hospital in tears because of how happy she was. It was amazing to see. She is the bravest and strongest young woman I have ever met.' Succession star and acting legend Brian Cox said he was moved by shopkeepers Asiyah and Jawad Javed who are right at the heart of their community in Stenhousemuir, near Falkirk. He said: 'What an amazing couple. Scotland's sense of community is what keeps this nation great. This evening has been totally overwhelming.' Game of Throne's star James Cosmo honoured King's Trust Young Achiever Shane Lee, 26, who has autism and has landed his dream job in Marks & Spencers, said: 'What a wonderful young man who has overcome so many obstacles in his young life and is going to achieve so much more.' Sheli McCoy said she was blown away by Young Fundraiser Theo Hardie, seven, who ran 100 miles to raise money to buy his little brother a wheelchair. She said: 'Theo's selflessness took my breath away. The bond he shares with Jude is heartwarming. He is such an incredible boy.' Rangers Jack Butland also praised the bighearted schoolboy, who he presented with a signed goalie shirt. He said: 'Being a footballer is great but getting to be here to honour someone as special as Theo means the world. What an amazing young man.' Comedian Al Murray said Outstanding Bravery winner Stewart Miller, who jumped into the River Tay to save a stranger who had got into trouble during a storm, was a remarkable human being. He said: 'Such an amazing man who maintains he wasn't doing anything special which makes him even more extraordinary - my bowels would have turned to water at the thought.' Star Wars actor Denis Lawson said he was in awe of 'Vape Crusader' Laura Young who got a Special Recognition award for her campaign that led to a ban on selling disposable vapes in Scotland. He said: 'It's extraordinary what Laura has achieved from a standing start all on her own. To think the USA, Canada and Ireland are now considering all considering following suit is gobsmacking.' STV newsreader Kelly-Ann Woodland also praised the young campaigner. She said: 'What Laura has achieved is incredible. She has managed to force a change in the law which will have a positive impact on both the nation and the planet.' Strictly star Dr Punam Krishan was taken aback by the Ups and Downs Theatre Group who won the P&O Cruises Inspiration Award. She said: 'They just bring the joy. You can't help but smile when you hear them perform. What talent, what wholesomeness, what sparkle!' Wellerman singer Nathan Evans was also a big fan of the Ups and Downs who belted out a song from The Greatest Showman live on stage. He said: 'Their enthusiasm and passion is incredible and I feel privileged to have been asked to present their well-deserved award.' Eastenders star Laurie Brett lauded King's Trust Young Achiever Ashleigh, 28, who attended the event with her trainee assistance dog Blu and helps deliver mental health training to frontline workers. Laurie said: 'Ashleigh brings so much positivity to the world. She should be running the country. What an inspiring girl who has refused to let the dark times define her.' Singing legend Susan Boyle added: 'Ashleigh should be really proud of herself and all she has achieved and as for Blu - that dog is something special.' Hailing the Speirs family, who run the cancer charity Calum's Cabin in memory of their son who passed away in 2007, Trial and Retribution star David Hayman said: 'The Speirs are truly inspirational. To have overcome that grief and gone on to build a legacy in Calum's name is awe inspiring. They deserve all the credit in the world.' A Place in the Sun presenter Jean Johansson added: 'Caroline, Duncan and Jenna are three of the nicest people I have ever met and Calum lives on in them and the work that they do.' Scot Squad star Grady praised the four Dunfermline shop workers who tackled an armed robber. He said: 'Only in Scotland would you get folk who would have a square go with a man with a gun. The CCTV footage of them all coming together to tackle the robber is like something out of a movie. All four of them are pure, dead, brilliant.' - Watch the Pride of Scotland winners' stories at: from Friday 27th June
Daily Record
23-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Pride of Scotland's unsung heroes meet celebs at glittering Glasgow event
Tales of courage and charity as inspirational winners earn gratitude of a nation. The stars were out tonight to honour the nation's inspirational unsung heroes at our glittering People's Oscars. Dozens of well-kent faces from music, sport and TV including First Minister John Swinney gathered at the Glasgow Hilton to celebrate our Pride of Scotland Award winners. Love Island's Paige Turley dazzled as she and Saint Phnx's Stevie Jukes interviewed the myriad of star guests who posed for snaps on the red carpet. Paige, who wore a sparkly black sequin dress said: 'This is my absolutely favourite night of the year as the awards shine a light on people who have been doing so much for others but never seek any recognition. 'As a judge I already know the winners ' stories so meeting them in person is just brilliant. I love seeing their faces when the celebs come up and ask them for selfies.' Stevie, who looked dapper in a velvet jacket and dickie bow, added: "The Pride of Scotland Awards are massive and the number of big names who turn out to celebrate our nation's most inspiring people is phenomenal. 'But what the unsung heroes don't realise until they arrive at the awards is that they are the ones who leave the celebrities starstruck because their selfless achievements are far greater. Host Elaine C Smith cut a striking figure, as did Sheli McCoy, aka Scots Gladiator Sabre, singing legend Susan Boyle, Eastenders actress Laurie Brett, Strictly star Dr Punam Krishan, Love Island's Laura Anderson and presenters Amy Irons and Jean Johansson. Hollywood star Brian Cox, Star Wars actor Denis Lawson, Game of Throne's James Cosmo, footballers Billy Gilmour and Jack Butland, host Sanjeev Kohli, comedian Al Murray and DJ George Bowie were all suited and booted for the biggest night of the year - but really all eyes were on the men, women and kids who were being honoured for their part in making our country great. From humbling acts of kindness and selfless acts of bravery to raising millions for charity, the Pride of Scotland Awards, with P&O Cruises, recognised 12 winners over eight categories. One of the biggest cheers of the night went to Young Fundraiser Theo Hardie, seven, who ran 100 miles to raise money for his little brother Jude's wheelchair. And Theo's face was a picture when he was presented with his award by his heroes Rangers goalie Jack Butland and Sheli McCoy aka Sabre the Gladiator. Sheli said: 'I was blown away by the love Theo has for his little brother and seeing them together just melted my heart. The bond they have is incredible.' Special Recognition recipients Asiyah and Jawad Javed were delighted to meet Succession legend Brian Cox who hailed the shopkeepers for the role they play in their community. The Braveheart star said: 'What an amazing display of community spirit.' Outstanding Bravery winner Stewart Miller, who risked his life during a killer storm to save a woman from drowning in the River Tay, was given his award by his favourite comedian - Al Murray. His dog Troy, who alerted him to the woman's distress, also received a special bravery dog tag. Al said: 'Stewart is such a worthy winner - jumping to the rescue without any regard for his own safety and if Troy hadn't been there he might not have noticed her plight.' Dunfermline shop workers Bob Bell, Cheryl Gourlay, Aisha and Usman Javid, who tackled an armed robber, enjoyed a laugh on stage with the cast of BBC hit show Scots Squad. Napoli and Scotland footballer Billy Gilmour and surprised Teenager of Courage Georgie Hyslop, 16, who has raised more than £51,000 for others during her battle with cancer. Billy, who is considered one of Scotland's best players, said: 'Georgie is an inspiration. Such a strong and selfless person who always puts others before herself.' One of the most uplifting moments of the night was when P&O Cruises Inspiration Award winners - the Ups and Downs - performed 'This is Me' from The Greatest Showman. The theatre group for young people with Down's Syndrome and their siblings jumped with joy when they were honoured on stage by Strictly's Dr Punam Krishan, singer Nathan Evans and Corrie actor Liam Bairstow. Nathan said: 'The Ups and Downs were amazing. When they sang everyone in the room got goosebumps. They are pure joy to watch. I had a lump in my throat.' Special Recognition winner 'Vape Crusader' Laura Young, who is the driving force behind the successful campaign to ban the sale of disposable vapes in Scotland, was also lauded. Emergency Services hero, coastguard winch paramedic Norman Macleod, who braved storms to drop solo onto a ship where two sailors had suffered horrifying injuries, was over the moon to receive his award from JJ Chalmers. The Invictus Games and Strictly star said: 'I'm in awe of Norman's composure under pressure.' King's Trust Young Achievers Ashleigh Lancaster, 28, who is overcoming the trauma of domestic abuse and set up a business education front line workers about mental health and Shane Lee, 26, who has autism and secured his dream job in Marks & Spencers were also saluted. Ashleigh's assistance dog Blu became the second four-legged hero to be honoured with a special tag. Jean Johansson paid an emotional tribute to Special Recognition winners the Speirs family who built a network of holiday homes and flats in memory of their son Calum and have supported the families of more than 3000 children with cancer. The A Place in the Sun presenter said: 'This incredible family has achieved so much in memory of the wonderful Calum.' One of the most poignant moments was when Lorraine Kelly paid tribute to Scotland's Champion Sir Chris Hoy via VT. She said: 'Chris is a giant of a man both in and out of the saddle. Speaking out about his cancer diagnosis has already saved lives.' The winners, who were entertained by BGT finalist Vinnie McKee partied into the wee small hours with the stars. Discover what the winners and the stars had to say in tomorrow's Daily Record Watch the Pride of Scotland winners' stories at: from Friday 27th June. To donate to Sir Chris Hoy's cycle challenge go to To book tickets to Brian Cox's new play at Dundee Rep go to
Scottish Sun
07-06-2025
- Health
- Scottish Sun
Gladiators star Sabre's top tip for improving mood, digestion and hunger levels, and it's totally free
Scroll down for the gym boss's top tips LIVE STRONGER, LIVE LONGER Gladiators star Sabre's top tip for improving mood, digestion and hunger levels, and it's totally free Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) SHELI McCoy has made her name as Sabre, the mighty Gladiator. But she is also a businesswoman, gym owner and fierce advocate for women's health. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Sheli has been a hit as Sabre for the last two series of the show 2 The fitness guru owns Sweatbox gym in Dundee And from today, she's launching a monthly health and wellbeing column with The Scottish Sun online. Here she'll share her tips for staying fit and strong - no matter what life throws at you. And in her first column she tackles. WELCOME to the first edition of 'Live Stronger, Live Longer — a column designed to cut through the noise and bring you clear, practical and science-backed tips to help you live a healthier life. Whether you're just starting your wellness journey, getting back on track, or simply looking for smarter ways to care for your body, this space is for you. I'll be your leader, Sheli McCoy. I am a highly qualified health professional with a Masters in sports sciences, I'm a certified fitness trainer, a gym owner - I run SweatBox on Dundee's Camperdown road - and I've been a coach and educator for 15 years now. I've spent the last decade helping people feel stronger, move better, and eat in a way that supports real, lasting health—without the guilt, the gimmicks, or the pressure to be perfect. Most read in Fitness PEACHY How to get a bum like Love Island's Grace Jackson - PT shares six simple moves Health is a feeling and a status not a body weight or size. Each edition, I'll bring you advice that's grounded in science, answer some FAQs from clients I've worked with and offer suggestions on getting active, improving food choices, exercises for each muscle group and practical advice that's easy to apply—whether it's how to make your lunch work harder for your energy levels, how to build a simple fitness habit that lasts, or how to stay healthy without feeling overwhelmed. Scots Gladiator star Sheli McCoy reveals bizarre fan requests that left her gobsmacked Step one - Let's start with one quick win. Want to improve your mood, digestion and hunger levels in 60 seconds? Start drinking a full glass of water first thing in the morning, before you actually know what's going on, eyes half shut, just sink a whole pint of water. It's one of the simplest, most overlooked health habits — and a great foundation for bigger changes as it directly helps reduce signals often confused as hunger, offers improved cognitive function, improves digestive activity and can elevate your mood! HOW EASY IS THAT?!! Health isn't about extremes. It's about building small habits that come off the back of a deliberate target. So challenge one - seven days of one pint of water every morning and if you complete it I want to know. Post your achievement and tag me on Instagram @shelimccoy_official or Facebook @shelimccoyfitness using the hashtag #livestronger Can wait to work with you all and for new habits to help us all Live Stronger and Live Longer.
