Latest news with #ToughMudder
Daily Record
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
TikTok star who shared cancer journey completes Tough Mudder
Erin Lavery battled through the 5km course at Strathclyde Park with the help of her friends in her first big physical challenge since receiving the all-clear. After defeating cancer Erin Lavery's latest challenge was completing Tough Mudder – and the brave Cambuslang woman smashed that too. The 22-year-old battled through the 5km course at Strathclyde Park with the help of her friends in her first big physical challenge since receiving the all-clear. And although she wasn't sure if she would be able to complete the endurance event, Erin crossed the finish line with a beaming smile. She said: 'It was fab, we loved it; we had such a good day. It's such a good atmosphere, supportive, and the amount of people that come out and watch and cheer you on round the sides, there was so many people. Even though it was absolutely pouring, there was still tonnes of people out cheering us on, it's just such a good atmosphere.' Erin was taking part as an ambassador for ScottishPower's partnership with Cancer Research UK and led almost 100 ScottishPower employees taking on the obstacle course. She continued: 'I was still supposed to be doing treatment at this point, so my friends had booked to do it in honour of me type of thing, so they've all been fundraising and I just kind of joined in as a wee late entry after ScottishPower had got in touch. 'This was the first test of my energy levels, my fitness, because I was like, 'yeah I'll do it', but I wasn't actually sure if I was going to be able to finish it or how far I'd get – but it all went really well. So I wasn't fundraising personally, but the girls all done it.' ScottishPower began a partnership with Cancer Research UK back in 2012, and since then have raised £40 million for the charity. Together they have raised millions through initiatives like the energy provider's Help Beat Cancer energy tariff, and by sponsoring Race for Life events across the UK and supporting Stand Up To Cancer. It's estimated that nearly one in two people in the UK will develop some form of cancer in their lifetime and ScottishPower are trying to help Cancer Research UK so that, one day, people can live longer, better lives, free from the fear of cancer. And after becoming aware of Erin's cancer journey, which she has shared with tens of thousands of followers on social media, the firm reached out to her to take part in Pretty Muddy as an ambassador for Cancer Research UK. Erin said: 'It was actually the CEO of customer business at Scottish Power, Andrew Ward, who told me at the weekend that he and his wife have been following along – they've watched a lot of my videos – and then there was a few people in the team who had seen some of the stuff and thought I'd be a good fit for it, and once we got chatting it all went ahead.' Erin, who had suffered from childhood asthma, didn't too think much of a cough which first appeared in October 2023. But the following month she discovered a lump on her neck and made an appointment with her GP to have it checked. Doctors thought her symptoms were down to a swollen lymph mode and iron deficiency, but Erin's symptoms became steadily worse over the next seven months as she suffered from migraines, dizziness and tiredness. After several months of trying to carry on as normal Erin was forced to stop working for periods of time and asked to be referred to a hospital and underwent a biopsy. An initial hospital appointment was made for July 2024 and by that August, Erin had undergone her first biopsy, but while waiting for the results she became even more ill. She began chemotherapy and then earlier this year shared to her social media followers that she had defeated Stage 3 Hodgkin lymphoma. With over 70,000 followers on TikTok and another 20,000 on Instagram, Erin has been documenting her cancer journey as well as offering insight and advice to others. She said: 'I like the idea of more people finding my page, especially my TikTok, I've got a lot of videos of me getting my treatment and as someone who's going through treatment it's good to watch those types of videos. So I think it's good for that, but I also have a lot of people who follow me that are in the cancer world or touched by it in some way, so sharing with them the charities and businesses that are out doing that kind of stuff, I think it's good to share that side of it as well. 'It's been crazy. I still even now receive multiple messages a day of people that are going though treatment saying the videos have helped them, because it's quite an anxious thing, when you don't know what to expect, that kind of thing. So I think me walking them right though it, and showing them, because I think it's hard as well, you don't really know how sick you're going to become. So I explained everything. I was feeling very open so I think people being able to see that obviously does kind of ease their worries a wee bit. I've just received a crazy amount of messages from people, and it's just lovely knowing that I'm able to help in that way,' And the reaction from her thousands of followers, has been a positive experience for Erin, who added: 'It's been good from all angles, I've received so much support throughout from people that have followed along, but also being able to help others during it gave me something to focus on. It's been the best thing for me, for sure. 'I think it's showing a different side now; obviously, although I'm cancer free, there's still a lot of recovery to do, so it's raising awareness of that. Although you can be cancer free there's things that can still be difficult, so there's a different side to it but it will always be something I want to talk about and share with people.' And she added: 'The Beatson are still super involved and if I need anything it's so easy to get in touch with them; they'd offer me so much but it's a balance. 'I still need their support a lot but I'm also trying to find stuff myself and get that wee bit more independence back, so it's a mixture for sure but the support the Beatson provide is just insane.' Erin is not yet back working full-time as a nail technician, and continued: 'My first thing was, I want to get my fitness back, so I've been starting off with a fitness routine and getting that sorted, getting back, because I didn't eat a lot of the time throughout my treatment, so I'm trying to put weight on. 'I'm very focused on my health first and then once I feel a bit more settled, because I'm self-employed it's quite hard, it's going to be a big jump going back to it all, so I want to wait until I've got a bit more life routine settled and then I'll get back into it but I'm excited to get back there.' Erin added: 'All the way through, even when I was getting the treatment, I didn't want it to be a bad thing. Obviously it's hard but I still wanted to make sure that I was having a good time and I was happy where I was, and now that I am cancer free and that stress has gone. 'I'm excited for literally everything. Even the days when I'm doing nothing, I love that, but also the thought of getting back to work, the thought of going on holiday again, literally life just feels so exciting.' Cancer Research UK say that every year around 34,600 people are diagnosed with cancer in Scotland. Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer that starts in white blood cells called lymphocytes and the main treatments for Hodgkin lymphoma include chemotherapy and radiotherapy. And the charity also said there are 320 new cases of cancer in children and young people a year in Scotland. Speaking about discovering she had cancer, Erin said: 'It took about eight months for me to be diagnosed. I was sick for about a year beforehand so that was something I learned very early on, because I actually had every symptom of lymphoma when I was going to the doctors, and they hadn't picked it up, so that is something where I can teach people the symptoms and learning that when you do feel something like that you need to be pushy. 'Even if you're getting answers from the doctors it doesn't always mean that they're correct and if it doesn't feel right to keep going and make sure that you're advocating for your health, so that was definitely something throughout that I've been trying to push. 'I made quite a lot friends. That was something as well I wanted to post about, because obviously this age group is kind of very, it's almost missed, the media and stuff like that, people don't really think of young adults with cancer, it's always kids or older people, so when I started posting I connected with quite a few people that had the same idea as me and I've made some really good friends through it and it does help when it's someone the same age as you that you can chat to about these things.' ScottishPower are continuing their partnership with Cancer Research UK and you can also help them to do more by joining over 400,000 customers and switching to the energy provider's Help Beat Cancer tariff. For every month you're on the tariff, they will donate to the charity on your behalf. And during COP26 in Glasgow in 2021, ScottishPower announced an ambition to help Cancer Research UK shine a light on the role air pollution plays in the development of cancer. They covered the cost of a Cancer Research UK study, which has helped researchers explain the link between lung cancer and non-smoking-related factors. The ScottishPower website says: 'But we want to do more. That's why we've committed up to £4 million to support Cancer Research UK's Lung Cancer Centre of Excellence for the next five years. 'It is hoped this funding will help to transform UK lung cancer research by allowing Cancer Research UK to increase momentum and build a sustainably funded research community around lung cancer – the third most common form of cancer in the UK and the most common cause of cancer death – with the ultimate aim of improving outcomes for lung cancer patients.' For her part, Erin supports the partnership work between ScottishPower and Cancer Research UK, saying: 'I think whatever future things they have planned I will definitely get involved. I genuinely do think they're such a great company and the things that've done is just amazing. 'All that money obviously does go to cancer research. Finding treatments and cures is something I'm just so passionate about so I think we definitely do have the same values, and I think they're great.' And after her experience doing Pretty Muddy, Erin would encourage any charity fundraisers to give it a go, adding: 'There's still tonnes of events. That one has passed now, but you can go onto their website and there's pretty much always an event planned and they're everywhere, so people are going to be able to find one near them too.' Search 'erinlaveryx' on Instagram and 'erin_lav' on TikTok to find Erin. For more on how ScottishPower are helping Cancer Research UK, and how you can get involved, visit
Glasgow Times
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow dad running West Highland Way in memory of son
The 38-year-old dad originally from Yoker will run the West Highland Way nonstop in memory of his stillborn son Marco, who would have been 10 this year. He's competing in the West Highland Way Race, one of the world's longest-established ultra-marathons, first held in 1985. It'll see him battle rough terrain and rise over 14,000 feet as he attempts to run the long-distance trail between Milngavie (just north of Glasgow) and Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. Mark will set off at 1am this Saturday, June 21, alongside 300 other rave ultra runners. Mark says he'll crawl across the line if he has to (Image: Gordon Terris) READ MORE: 8 of the best decorated cabs at Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund day out to Troon Mark is running the race to raise money for The Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity (Sands), a cause close to his heart. He said: "Unfortunately, 10 years ago, we lost our first son Marco. "On his due date, so full term, and Sands are such a great charity. "I'm trying to spread awareness of what they do, which is the reason behind everything I've been doing. "Over the last 10 years, I've just passed the £25,000 mark raised for Sands and Marco's memory." His previous challenges include running three laps of a Tough Mudder course, so he's no stranger to pushing himself. Mark, who now lives in Kelvindale, last attempted the route solo in 2023, but had to stop at the 71-mile mark due to an injury. He explained: "In 2023, I attempted the West Highland Way solo. "I sprained my ankle 67 miles in and had to hobble 71 miles to get collected. "I'd raised some more money for charity, just over £10,000 I raised that time." "That put me at a really low point because obviously I'd failed in my challenge. "But everybody reminded me, 'Well, you've not failed because your ultimate goal was to spread awareness and raise money for a charity, which you did.' "When I get to Glen Coe and leave Glen Coe, that'll be me going into uncharted territory because that's 71 miles in. "That's the furthest I've ever been before on a single run. "I think then I'll start believing at that point that it's there, the finish line's there. "I'm just looking forward to seeing the family at the end. That's what it's going to be all about." READ MORE: 'Goodbye for now': Popular West End pub announces temporary closure Mark hopes to cross the finish line in a time of around 25 hours, with a cut off on the race of 35 hours, to which he told me with a determined stare, "If I need to crawl to the finishing line, I'll be making it to the finish line. His family has been heavily involved in his training. He's been running with his sons Tino, Vito, Enzo, and Remo, and has had support from his wife Lisa. Mark said: "It's a point to prove, my family's invested a lot of time into this. "A training week for me is maybe 10 to 15 hours worth of actual running time. "I want to prove to everybody that I can manage this and repay people's generosity." (Image: Gordon Terris) READ MORE: 'Glasgow deserves better': Heritage groups slam approval of O2 ABC site plans Mark's focus, in addition to raising money for the charity, is to spread awareness and encourage people to open up about the 'taboo' subject. He said: "I've spoken to a lot of people over the years, and you often run into this kind of thing in everyday conversations – someone says, 'Oh, how many kids have you got?' and I'll say, 'I've got five boys – one of them passed away.' It can become quite a conversation killer." "People don't know what to say to other people when it's happened to them. Even when it happened to us. When we lost Marco, nobody knew what to say... "The one thing I wanted to know was that people are there, talking about it and saying my son's name. "People who have lost a child need to know they've still had a child, they're still a mom, they're still a dad. And that's really one of the focuses of my story and my mission." READ MORE: Council speaks out over primary school's union flag letter Mark will have a support crew of family and friends, and his 'partner in crime', best friend Ryan, will join him for some miles later in the race as a boost. Mark's employer, Brikability, is matching donations up to £3,000, which will massively boost his fundraising efforts. Most of the funding to the charity will go towards supporting parents and counselling groups, as well as memory boxes for families who have lost their baby. You can read more about Mark's efforts and donate at
Yahoo
05-06-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Richard's life is transformed after losing weight with slimming group
RICHARD Rawlinson was taking part in a motoring rally in Paris when he felt he needed to do something about his weight. 'I was competing in a rally in France and had stopped off in Paris. There's a picture of me outside Notre Dame which was my turning point picture,' he says. 'I looked at it and remember feeling heavy, my race suit had split at the side, and I was feeling unfit and sluggish.' Company boss Richard, 52, from Bradford, loves road racing in his spare time. He co-drives for a team which competes in the Northern off-road club and in the French championship. Co-driving in a rally Richard with wife Anne Marie The dad of grown-up children Caitlyn and Dylan, he is also a successful Slimming World target member, having lost more than three and a half stone in 2019. Richard, who runs a service engineering firm for the print and packaging industry, began attending Slimming World with his wife Anne-Marie, who was already a member. 'I wasn't going along to a group alone,' he says, 'When I started I felt relieved that a line had been drawn and I could see a solution to my increased weight.' Richard loves cooking and saw finding new ways to make meals as a bonus. 'Changing the way I cooked without adding fats and oils and removing fat and skin where I saw it, was the simplest of changes; filling up on vegetables and lean meats so that I felt satisfied and wasn't hungry, was key. ' I work away a lot and found it difficult to start with, but soon acquired the skills to navigate around a menu, avoiding choices that were smoothed or creamy and finding the better choices like grilled and boiled, meaning I could still lose weight.' When Richard was growing up he had juvenile rheumatoid arthritis - now known as juvenile idiopathic arthritis. His weight put extra strain on his leg joints, causing him pain. 'Keeping track of my weight is a great way to help my joints. I do sometimes get flare ups but these are few and far between now I'm at my target weight. 'Mentally and emotionally, I feel much better in myself, and not as self-conscious about my body, I still have to look again at the pictures of myself to see it's me.' Working on his fitness was important too. 'I was encouraged at group to build on my activity through Slimming World's Body Magic programme, an activity pathway that's rooted in behaviour change. Richard can't believe how he looks now Richard's diet is rich in vegetables (Image: Pixabay) 'We now have two beautiful border collies who can walk for ever; we've walked a few Lake District mountains and the Yorkshire Three Peaks, one at a time. I also set myself a yearly challenge, so far I've completed the Yorkshire Three Peaks twice, a 10K Tough Mudder, and completed the Couch to 5K - it doesn't feel normal to not have activity in my life.' He adds: 'I love our group, and even though I am at my personal achievement target, I still go as much as possible, my fellow members supported me on my journey, and now I see it as my job to encourage other on their way. There's tons of support, food ideas, and strategies and its full of fantastic inspirational people, who are making amazing changes to habits and existing lifestyles. 'I am proud of myself for losing weight and working on my health and wellbeing, I've been privileged to have be asked to co-drive for several off road teams, winning the 2023 and 2024 Northern off-road championship, as well as been invited to the Goodwood Festival of Speed. 'It's so much more than the weight you lose, it's the life you gain - go along to your local group to hear more.' *Find your nearest group at
Edinburgh Reporter
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Edinburgh Reporter
Tough Mudder comes to South Queensferry
The Tough Mudder endurance and obstacle race is taking place on the Hopetoun Estate, South Queensferry, on Saturday, 7 June. Organisers say it will provide a spectacle based on one of the grittiest, most adrenaline-pumping obstacle courses in the UK, the ultimate test of strength, endurance, and sheer willpower. Furthermore, they claim the 6,500-acre site is unlike anything Tough Mudder Scotland has seen before featuring winding woodland trails, deep mud trenches, beachside terrain, and water obstacles that will push competitors to their absolute limits. There will be a shorter course over 5k featuring a dozen obstacles while the ultimate challenge is said to be the 15k event with 20 obstacles. The Tough Mudder series prides itself on having no timing or rankings and emphasises camaraderie over competition. Interested in competing? For more information, registration details, and updates, visit: Tough Mudder can involve climbing slippery slopes and plunging into ice cold water Like this: Like Related
The Courier
14-05-2025
- General
- The Courier
Tears and laughter as funeral held in Dundee for 'Smiley Riley', 13
Hundreds of mourners shared tears and laughter as they gathered to say farewell to a Dundee boy who died after a lifelong health battle. Riley Welsh – known to loved ones as Smiley Riley – died in his mum Leigh's arms in April at the age of 13. There was standing room only at Dundee Crematorium on Wednesday as friends and family gathered to pay their respects. Many of those who attended wore yellow and carried sunflowers in memory of the 'strongest and bravest little boy' from Coldside, at Leigh's request. Leigh laid a sunflower on Riley's wicker coffin as she said her goodbyes during the funeral. In a specially recorded video message, Leigh also paid a special thanks to those who had helped care for Riley during his life – including the medical team at Ninewells Children's Hospital. The service was taken by Ali Pandian, the chaplain at Rachel House in Kinross, where Riley has spent so much time over the years. She said: 'Leigh had Riley when she was 19 and in a way they grew up together. 'Riley was just the happiest wee boy. He has this huge smile, which very quickly meant he got called Smiley Riley.' Describing the life of the former Kingspark School pupil, Ali said: 'One thing that Leigh became aware of was that Riley was going to write his own rule book – everyone in his life just walked or ran alongside him for the journey, which was sometimes a bit like a Tough Mudder. 'Riley started at Kingspark School in 2016 and was in a class with Jayden, Sophie, PJ and Amy. 'The five of them stayed together all the way up and were a great group of pals. 'Riley was so good at school and was a proud member of the Kingspark community. 'It was in school that Riley became known as Smiley Riley Roo.' Ali described Riley as the 'strongest and bravest little boy, who approached all that life gave him with courage and warmth'. She also recalled the many 'brilliant memories' he had shared with loved ones, and how Ninewells staff had given him the nickname Captain Curveball because he was 'always surprising them'. Ali added: 'Riley died peacefully surrounded by some close family and friends, snuggled in next to his mum. 'Leigh takes great comfort from knowing that Riley is now at peace, and that Auntie Clare would have been there for him when he got to heaven, as well as Grandad Robert, who will now be up there teaching him all the bad words and showing him around. 'Remember Riley – remember the light that surrounded him and made you feel warm. 'Remember how he brought out the best in people and captured everyone's hearts.' Riley was born with microcephaly, a condition which stems from the skull being small and impacts brain development, leaving him immobile and non-verbal. He was also born with a tracheo-oesophageal fistula, which meant his oesophagus wasn't attached to his stomach, leaving him unable to swallow food. Riley also had a hole in his heart, and was epileptic, blind and deaf.
