Scots ambulance staff to run Edinburgh Marathon with full kit and 10kg bags
The pair hope to raise awareness of the "mental and physical stress" faced by ambulance staff while raising money for charity.
Two Scots ambulance workers are set to take on a special fundraising challenge at this weekend's Edinburgh Marathon.
Jack Falconer and Dominic Ballisat, who are both technicians with the Scottish Ambulance Service, are running in the event on Sunday, May 25, wearing their full uniform, which includes boots and a 10kg response bag.
The pair are raising money for The Ambulance Service Charity (TASC), which supports the mental, physical and financial wellbeing of ambulance service staff in the UK. The pair have raised nearly £2,500 so far.
Dominic, who is based at Edinburgh Ambulance Station, opened up on the challenge, saying: "We decided to do the marathon to help raise money for TASC as we are grateful for the amazing work they do in supporting our colleagues and their families in their time of need."
Jack, who is based in Wick, added: "We decided to run with the kit bag, uniform and boots in order to make it more challenging in the hope it will raise awareness and support for TASC. It also highlights the mental and physical stress that ambulance personnel undergo on a daily basis."
Dominic, who used to work at Thurso station, has run three previous marathons, but this will be Jack's first.
Dominic said: "We have both been training with boots and trousers with a 10kg bag plus water. We expect it to be tough especially if it's hot, but nothing worthwhile is easy."
The charity operates independently, and receives no money from the NHS or ambulance services. It offers resources including mental health support, a 24/7 crisis helpline, access to rehabilitation for staff injured in the line of duty, and financial guidance.
Join the Daily Record WhatsApp community!
Get the latest news sent straight to your messages by joining our WhatsApp community today.
You'll receive daily updates on breaking news as well as the top headlines across Scotland.
No one will be able to see who is signed up and no one can send messages except the Daily Record team.
All you have to do is click here if you're on mobile, select 'Join Community' and you're in!
If you're on a desktop, simply scan the QR code above with your phone and click 'Join Community'.
We also treat our community members to special offers, promotions, and adverts from us and our partners. If you don't like our community, you can check out any time you like.
To leave our community click on the name at the top of your screen and choose 'exit group'.
If you're curious, you can read our Privacy Notice.
Jasmin Rana, TASC's Head of Income Generation, said: "We're so grateful to Jack and Dominic for taking on this incredible challenge for TASC!
"As a charity we receive no support from the NHS or ambulance trusts to provide our general services, which means we rely on our incredibly generous supporters to continue supporting our ambulance workers when they're struggling with their mental, physical or financial wellbeing.
"Thanks to Jack, Dominic and everyone who has supported them, almost £2,500 (including GiftAid) has been raised already, the equivalent of 46 hours of mental health support or 172 financial guidance sessions. From everyone at TASC, thank you."
Dominic and Jack's fundraising page can be found here.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Independent
2 hours ago
- The Independent
Girl told lumps in breasts were likely hormonal dies after cancer diagnosis
Isla Sneddon, a 17-year-old, died of breast cancer after an urgent referral was downgraded due to her age, despite initial concerns and painful lumps. In 2022, at age 14, Isla was told her breast lumps were likely hormonal; when she returned in 2024 at age 16, an urgent referral was downgraded in line with national guidelines that treat patients under 30 with suspected cancer as routine. Her family is advocating for a review of urgent cancer referrals, arguing that earlier, more aggressive treatment, similar to that of adults, might have saved her life. After the downgraded referral, a biopsy revealed a likely benign tumor, but Isla's condition deteriorated, leading to a diagnosis of sarcoma, which had spread from her breast to her heart, lungs, and lymph nodes. Isla's family is calling on the Scottish government and NHS Scotland to ensure paediatric referrals have the same maximum wait times as adults, with follow-ups for downgraded or delayed referrals, and clearer guidelines for recognising cancer signs in young adults and children.
Scottish Sun
3 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
My hair was damaged from bleach but now it's so thick and long – it's all thanks to the simple weekly step I never miss
Read on for more hair loss tips HAIR THIS My hair was damaged from bleach but now it's so thick and long – it's all thanks to the simple weekly step I never miss Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) A WOMAN has shared the weekly routine she swears by to keep her locks healthy and thick. Fleur Green, from the UK, took to social media to share the routine and the hair oils she swears by. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 2 Fleur shared how she got her damaged hair thick and long again Credit: 2 She swore by two oils to keep her hair in good condition Credit: In the clip, she said: "I've gone from essentially a long bleached blonde, snapped off bob to Rapunzel." "I'm gonna show you the products which I've used consistently, which has helped me achieve this," Fleur added. First, the hair whizz gave her hair a brush to get rid of any tangles. Next, she took two hair oils - rosemary and batana oil and blended them together. She put them in a hair oiling tool that allows you to comb it through your scalp with ease. "Batana oil is super rich in antioxidants and fatty acids," she explained. "So if you're somebody like me who used to suffer with super dry, brittle hair, or like you've run your fingers through it and it'd be super prone to snapping off, this cocktail of hair oils is gonna be amazing for you." Fleur used Nature's Spells hair oils, which are already diluted to make them safe to apply to the scalp. She evenly applied the oil to her scalp before using her fingers to massage it in and promote blood circulation. Any leftover oil was then applied to the ends of her hair. Kyle Richards' daughter Sophia, 25, reveals her hair is falling out after taking weight loss drug saying 'I'm gonna be bald!' Fleur then went on to use a hair mask on the rest of her hair before putting it into a low ponytail and letting the products sit for a few hours. The beauty fan said the combination had kept her hair thick and healthy and people were eager to try it out. The clip went viral on her TikTok account @fleureleanorgreen with over 2.5 million views. One person wrote: "You got me to get the batana oil, I've noticed the difference already." Hair loss tips We can lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day, according to the NHS. It is not usually something to worry about, but occasional it can be a sign of a medical concern. These include illness, stress, cancer treatment, weight loss and iron deficiency. The NHS advises to book an appointment with your GP to see if you can get to the cause of it. Experts at American Academy of Dermatology Association also recommend to eat healthy, limit curling irons and only use them for special occasions. They also recommend using a gentle shampoo, and make use of leave-in conditioners. Another commented: 'You have the most incredible hair girl." "Absolutely love these hair oils and hair brush," penned a third. Meanwhile a fourth said: "Wow need to copy this routine." "Your hair is unreal,' claimed a fifth. Someone else added: 'Hair oiling has helped my hair grow so much faster I fear I have too much now."
Scottish Sun
5 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
My mum's had 15 babies and now wants ANOTHER one at 58 – it's reckless & selfish… and I'm terrified it could kill her
Megan has good reason to worry about her mum's choice 'ENOUGH IS ENOUGH' My mum's had 15 babies and now wants ANOTHER one at 58 – it's reckless & selfish… and I'm terrified it could kill her SHE'S already given birth to a staggering 15 babies and Carole Horlock now wants to have another one at the age of 58. But her own daughter has slammed her "reckless" plan - saying: 'Mum's being selfish and she's too old.' Advertisement 10 Megan (right) with mum Carole Credit: Supplied 10 Carole has given birth to 15 babies and plans another Credit: John Alevroyiannis Megan Horlock, 31, who works in the NHS as an emergency worker, revealed she had a blazing row with mother Carole - the world's most prolific surrogate mum - as she fears having another baby for a childless couple may kill her. Carole has had 15 babies in total - two daughters, Megan and her sister Stephanie, and 13 babies for nine different couples. And she recently told The Sun she was 'broody' and was willing to defy doctor's orders to go through with another pregnancy. Advertisement But in a blistering interview, Megan, who spent her childhood seeing her mum pregnant 'almost all the time', hit back: 'Broody? I think Mum is being selfish to try to become a surrogate again. It's time she retired her uterus. 'I honestly can't believe she's trying again and is talking to doctors. 'She's too old. How many more last times can there be? 'When she announced she's coming out of retirement I was shocked and dismayed. 'As an emergency medical worker I see the best - but also the worst - outcomes in every possible type of scenario. Advertisement 'I worry for mum. She wants so badly to help others, but I said to her: 'The risks are too high. Don't do it. It's time you enjoyed your amazing achievements but also your well earned retirement. 'She said 'Let me have one last try'. She wants me to support her. She has spent her whole life feeling broody so I suppose it's no surprise that hasn't gone away. 'I told her 'you've been a wonderful mum as well as an amazing surrogate and I'm scared of losing you. Please don't sacrifice our family to give someone else one.' I'm the world's most prolific surrogate and want my 16th baby aged 58 - docs fear I could die this time but I'm not worried 'Mum told me she has unfinished business and she was sad when she didn't bond with the last surrogate family. It's her dream to have one more.' 'I replied: 'The price could be your life. This could kill you'. Advertisement Pregnant for 30 years Earlier this month The Sun revealed Carole, who is in perimenopause, has been in touch with fertility experts in Greece and Cyprus to see if she can conceive another child using IVF. 10 She gave birth to triplets for one couple in 2008 Credit: Collect 10 Carole with her daughters, Stephanie (left) and Megan (centre) Credit: Collect Doctors have previously warned her that having another baby could kill her - but Carole claims her body has never let her down. Carole, who has the Guinness World Record for being the world's most prolific surrogate, would also become Britain's oldest surrogate if she is successful at becoming pregnant and giving birth. Advertisement The oldest known surrogate in Britain is Pamela Butler who gave birth to her grandson aged 57 in 2010. Carole had her first surrogate baby - a little boy - in 1995. She went on to have twin girls in 1997 for the same couple and they continue to be close to this day. Baby four, in March 1998 was a girl for a couple who had suffered multiple miscarriages. Five was a little girl for a couple who already had a child with another surrogate. Baby six was a little girl who completed the family for the parents of baby number four. Advertisement Baby seven was a boy for a woman who had tried to have a baby for 23 years. When I was growing up I remember my mum being pregnant most of the time. Megan Horlock Next was a little girl - her eighth surrogate child - for a couple whose previous surrogate had kept the baby. Baby nine caused a public outcry, as the little boy turned out to be Carole's and her husband Paul's - but she still gave him away. Triplets came next, making up babies 10, 11 and 12 who were born after IVF and via a caesarean. While baby 13 was a little boy born in April 2012, again by caesarean. Risks of birth at 58 IT is possible for a woman to give birth at 58 but natural conception is extremely rare and most women of this age need IVF, often using donor eggs due to diminished ovarian reserve. Multiple previous pregnancies, especially with multiple births and multiple caesareans, significantly increase risks such as uterine rupture, placenta previa, and haemorrhage. Using donor eggs from a younger woman can reduce the risk of chromosomal abnormalities, such as Down's syndrome. But the risks of pregnancy complications – including gestational diabetes, pre-eclampsia, hypertension, and preterm birth – are significantly higher due to the mother's age. There are substantial risks. Older mothers also face a higher likelihood of requiring intensive care during or after delivery. The risks increase with each successive caesarean. NHS fertility treatment is only offered to women aged under 43. Many UK specialists may be reluctant due to the high medical risks involved but age limits may be more flexible abroad. Dr Sami Almusawa is a Fertility Consultant at Megan said: 'My first memory of Mum being pregnant with a surrogate baby was when I was four. Advertisement 'When I was growing up I remember my mum being pregnant most of the time. 'She was a single mum back then, working full time in a launderette, bringing me and Stephanie up single handedly whilst also being a surrogate. "She was like superwoman. For a lot of the pregnancies she worked until she was literally in labour. 'We were involved in everything. 'She'd tell us: 'The lady's tummy is broken so she's borrowing Mummy's tummy.' Advertisement 'In the evenings our favourite game was eating Maltesers while watching TV and we used to balance them on her belly and try to get the baby to kick it off. 'We'd follow the couples through the pregnancy journey and when she gave birth, I got to meet them and hold their child. 'Even at such a young age it was a fantastic experience because you saw each couple grow with excitement throughout the nine months. 'Then we got to see them with their baby afterwards and sometimes even watch the surrogate children grow up." 10 Carole with pictures of the many babies she had carried Advertisement 10 Stephanie and Megan grew up with their frequently pregnant mum Credit: The Press People Megan has stayed close to many of the kids her mother gave birth to. 'I have a WhatsApp group with some of them and we plan to meet," she says. "They were like cousins, but in reality as Mum donated her eggs for some of the pregnancies, some are my half-brothers and half-sisters biologically. 'I have always thought what Mum did was so special. Advertisement 'Now, as an adult I have even more admiration for what she's done and the families that she's made.' Pain over long lost brother Meghan was seven when Carole met her now husband Paul, now 71. She said: 'He is my dad. He became a part of our surrogacy journey too. There was more love in our home than many families experience. 'I wouldn't say I missed out on anything. I think my life was more full of love because of my mum doing this. 'I have always said maybe after I have my own family I'd like to be a surrogate one day. Advertisement 'But Mum has to know when to stop and enough is enough.' Megan revealed she does think of one of the babies more often than others - baby nine, a little boy who turned out to be Carole's and Paul's who they accidentally gave away. 10 Baby boy number nine was revealed to be the biological son of Carole and husband Paul Credit: Supplied 10 The last birth was a difficult one Credit: JK Press The mix-up came to light when the surrogate couple did a DNA test after the birth and discovered the child was not theirs. Advertisement Megan, who has a long-term partner and lives in Braintree, Essex, said: 'Mum and Paul did a lot of soul searching as Paul does not have biological children of his own, although I think of him as my dad. But they hadn't planned to have a child and so they decided to let them keep him. 'I do think of baby nine more than the other children, because we are estranged and he is my half-brother. 'I quite often wonder what he looks like, how he acts, the things he likes, what his personality is like. I wonder what he's up to, he might be at university. I wonder if he looks like me. 'I would love to meet him and I hope that he will make contact one day and I know Mum and Paul would love to meet him too.' 10 Megan says her mum is her best friend Credit: Supplied Advertisement 10 Carole loves being pregnant and helping other couples Credit: Collect Difficult birth Meghan revealed her concerns for her mum stem from being her birthing partner during her last labour in 2013. She said: 'The doctors decided to induce her because of her age and the risk of pre-eclampsia, rather than there being a pre-eclampsia developing, which Mum didn't agree with. 'Her body knows what it's doing. It was very difficult to watch my mum go through the pain of being induced, a caesarean and the recovery. 'She did admit that pregnancy did take more out of her than the previous ones because of her age. Advertisement 'Twelve years have passed since then and I think it's a lot later in life. 'It's going to be twice as hard as the last time and the risks to health during the labour are going to be higher. 'Having had two previous caesareans, it just increases the risk even more. It's a huge concern. 'Mum is my best friend. There is nothing she could ever do that would ever upset me enough to affect our relationship. 'As much as I have my personal views, ultimately I will support her through her decision and journey and be there for her. Advertisement 'I will go with her to the hospital even though I don't agree because I know what it means to her. 'I still believe people should be able to do what they want in life and be able to live how they want.' Last night Carole said: 'My daughter's feelings are very important to me, in fact they are everything. 'But I know my body and I'll be taking the best medical advice in the world to ensure my body can do this and see a pregnancy through. "I know my body but I won't let a couple down - so tests will confirm if this can go ahead. I'm confident I can do this.'
