Man who died for 11 minutes reveals what he saw on the other side
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Daily Record
an hour ago
- Daily Record
Schoolgirl meets woman who saved her life as bone marrow donor flies from US to Scotland
Ava Todd, now 12, met up with the stranger from Oklahoma who helped to save the brave girl's life in 2016. A brave schoolgirl and her family have been left overcome with emotion after meeting the woman who saved her life. Ava Todd, 12, met Juleena Master, from Oklahoma, in Edinburgh last week - nine years after the US woman donated her stem cells to the youngster in 2016. The transplant took place following a worldwide appeal by the Daily Record to find Ava a donor after she was diagnosed with inherited bone marrow failure at just three years old. Our appeal prompted more than 83,000 people to join the stem cell register before Juleena, 47, went on to become Ava's match. Now, nearly a decade on, Ava, from Lochgelly in Fife, alongside her mum Marie and dad Sam, were overjoyed to meet Juleena, her partner Seth and the couple's son Deacon, after they flew from the US to Scotland to visit her. The two families met up in Edinburgh last Friday before getting together again in London on Monday. Mum, Marie, 42, told the Record: "When Juleena asked to meet up, I said 'whatever we're doing, we'll cancel it and be free'. "We have replayed this moment in our heads a million times, but in reality it was so much more special. " Ava was very quiet and shy at first, not her usual self, but she was obviously overwhelmed because she suddenly burst into tears. "We were sobbing and crying and just thanking Juleena over and over. "It was so strange because we've been communicating online for years, then the woman who save Ava was just standing right in front of us. It was quite breathtaking. "It was surreal and a full circle moment for sure." Ava had been relying on blood and platelet transfusions to stay alive while waiting for a bone marrow transplant. The donation from heroic Juleena came after two other donors were forced to pull out at the last minute. Little warrior Ava went on to undergo the operation seven months after her diagnoses, following rounds of gruelling chemotherapy to help to prevent her body from rejecting her donor's cells. The ordeal left her immune system compromised – but saved her life. At the time, mum Marie put together a scrapbook containing the Daily Record's coverage of Ava's brave battle in its newspapers and sent it to Juleena's address in the US by recorded delivery to thank her. But she soon received notice that there had been a problem with the delivery, prompting mum-of-two Marie to trace Juleena on Facebook instead. She said: "We weren't sure if we'd ever get to meet her in person. "But now we have spend valuable time with them. " Ava wanted to show Juleena the places she loves in Edinburgh, which meant an Italian at Amarone, Crazy Golf at Boom Bar and Frankeinsteins pub. "Then we also went to London to meet up with them on another part of their trip so we could spend more time making memories. "We climbed the 02 Arena and visited the London Eye. "It has been so amazing to see Ava and Juleena living life together, because one of them saved the other. "Those are memories that will stay with us forever." Marie said Ava has gone from strength to strength since her transplant and has a "massive zest for life". She enjoys dancing, going on adventures and participating in adrenaline-inducing activities. The courageous youngster is due to start high school next week. Marie added: "Ava is so full of energy and life. "She loves dancing and is a total daredevil who loves roller coasters and activities like visiting Go Ape. "We've even booked tickets to go on the Alpine Coaster in Edinburgh in three weeks' time. "From the moment she gets up - to the moment she goes to bed - she's always on the go and has so many questions. "She's has a massive zest for life and is looking forward to starting high school." Marie is urging anyone who can to join the stem cell register to help save the lives of those in need. She continued: "At one point, we weren't sure if we'd get Ava to this stage in her life. "Our story just shows you the importance of joining the register. "I think a lot of people are put off by thinking they will have to undergo an old fashioned, uncomfortable bone marrow retrieval - but it's not like that anymore. It's just like giving blood. "We would always encourage people to sign up. It costs nothing but you could save a child's life. "We will be forever be grateful to Juleena for doing that for us."
Metro
6 hours ago
- Metro
Men are risking their health taking underground gym pills- I'm one of them
I first heard about MK-677 in the backroom of a gym that smelled like old chalk, sweat, and secrets. It wasn't on the supplement shelf or being hyped on a billboard. It was whispered about. ' Ibutamoren' , someone said quietly, like it was too potent to say out loud. A guy in his late 40s, built like a boulder, leaned in while we were cooling off after a late lift. 'You want to recover like you're 20 again?' he asked me, handing a bottle with no label—just a barcode and a warning look. That was my introduction to the growth hormone stimulant MK-677. Originally developed to treat muscle wasting and growth hormone deficiencies, it's gained traction in fitness circles for its supposed ability to help build muscle, reduce fat, improve sleep, and speed up recovery. Unlike injecting human growth hormones, MK-677 comes in pill form, making it more appealing—and more dangerously accessible. Like most things in the fitness underground, it wasn't about what it promised. It was about what might be possible. Just a few days after my first introduction to MK-677, a friend texted to tell me he knew a way I could gain 5kg-7kg in two months and that it would be mainly muscle. I replied that it simply wasn't possible. From the age of 25, I had spent seven years turning my body into what many would describe as a machine — dense, sculpted, powerful, but not bulky in the traditional sense. I wasn't a bodybuilder, exactly, but I was training with precision and an obsession with muscle growth. While some people spend years trying to lose weight to look a certain way, I spent years gaining it. I'd push myself hard, working out five times a week, a little cardio here and there, but mainly lifting—heavy compound movements like squats, deadlifts, bench press. My diet was decent, not perfect. Chicken, rice, eggs, protein shakes, the usual 'clean eating' formula. I even tried intermittent fasting because someone on YouTube said it would 'reveal the abs hidden underneath.' It didn't. I'd managed to nearly get to my goal weight, but was 5kg off – and no matter what I tried over the years, the scales barely budged. Then my friend sent me the link to something he had used 'first hand' so he could vouch for its authenticity – again the words MK-677 flashed up. His 'quick fix', coupled with the fact that someone had literally handed me a bottle felt like my sign, at the age of 40, to try it. To be fair, Ibutamoren is everywhere, if you know where to look. From weekend warriors and aging lifters to influencers documenting their 'body recomposition' journeys on YouTube, and TikTok, Ibutamorenis riding a biohacking wave. But the science is murky, the regulation basically nonexistent, and the long-term effects still mostly unknown. 'People are talking about Ibutamoren like a shortcut for muscle growth or fat loss, especially among newer lifters who want quick progress,' explains personal trainer and health coach Kevin Rail. 'The problem is that it is not a supplement you pick up with your protein powder. It is not approved for any use, and a lot of what is sold online comes from places where you cannot be sure what is inside. When you do not know the dose or the purity, the risk goes up fast because your body is the test site.' Yet, as someone who is a bit of a risk taker, I decided to take the plunge – and I must admit the first few weeks were incredible. My sleep was deep, like my body was finally getting the rest it always needed, while my appetite went through the roof. With it came fast gains in size and within two weeks I had shot up 2kg. In turn, the amount I was able to lift went up and recovery was faster. I looked pumped. But then came the water retention. Within days I had a puffy face, swollen ankles. When I looked in the mirror I chose to ignore the visible side effects, as it felt like a mild price to pay. However, my blood sugar crept up and my hunger got out of control. Eating 'clean' became a battle. I didn't feel unhealthy, but I didn't feel quite right either. After eight weeks, I stopped. Immediately my drop in weight was noticeable. I went down 2kg, then 4kg. My sleep issues returned and my joints ached. Even worse, my body softened. Kevin explains that as MK-677 raises growth hormones and IGF-1, which can add weight and fullness, it 'pulls on the entire hormone system'. 'That is why people report big jumps in water retention, sore joints, and appetite swings that make eating feel hard to control. Some describe numbness, tingling, or swelling in hands and feet, and they only connect it later. 'Concerns about heart health are the most serious because strain on the cardiovascular system is not something you want to trade for a slightly bigger pump,' he warns. 'It has been studied in medical trials for specific problems, but it is not approved for regular use outside these settings.' Dr David McLaughlan is a consultant psychiatrist at the Priory and says they've seen 'a noticeable rise' in body image concerns among young men. 'The growing promotion of ibutamoren as a muscle-building or 'anti-aging' drug is deeply worrying. It has been banned by the World Anti-Doping Agency, and is not approved for human use,' he explains. As co-founder of addictive behaviour change app Curb Health, Dr McLaughlan adds 'the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) raised safety concerns, highlighting one clinical trial which was stopped early due to signs of congestive heart failure in patients taking the drug.' 'Steroids are versions of testosterone that attach to androgen receptors in muscle and other tissues, which pushes protein synthesis and strength,' ,' explains PT Kevin Rail. 'The results tend to be faster and more obvious, but the trade offs are heavier too: your own testosterone can shut down, cholesterol and blood pressure can worsen, mood can swing, acne can flare, hair loss can speed up if you are prone, and some oral drugs strain the liver. 'MK-677 creates a signal that tells your brain to release more growth hormone (not testosterone), which then raises IGF-1. People notice bigger appetite and more water weight, sometimes tingling or swelling, because it leans on the growth hormone system and fluid balance. It is not approved for bodybuilding use and it is banned in tested sport.' Mark* first started taking MK-677 in May 2025 and within three weeks, he noticed a significant uptick in appetite—describing it as 'eating everything in the fridge.' 'The hunger came on quickly and intensely, especially within a few hours of taking the pill,' he tells Metro. This dramatic increase in food intake coincided with a noticeable weight gain, also of around 2kg. Rather than up his dose in a bid to speed things up even more, as I had, Mark remained steady and over two months continued to see weight gain and a fuller appearance in his muscles. The hunger stayed strong throughout, which made it easy for the 46-year-old to stay in a caloric surplus. While Mark has yet to reach his goal weight, he insists the initial results have been promising. ' I'm definitely committed to staying steady with this for now. The progress might be slow, but it's consistent, and that's what matters to me,' he says. However, Mark also worries he doesn't know if he can stop. 'Honestly, it feels like I'm hooked,' he admits. 'I don't know if I can just stop and still keep these results—it's become part of my routine.' Dr McLaughlan adds: 'Any substance that alters growth hormone levels can affect brain chemistry in unpredictable ways. Without medical supervision, people could be putting themselves at risk of serious and potentially irreversible harm. 'We urge anyone experiencing issues relating to body image or addiction to speak to a qualified medical professional.' After taking a two-month break I tried MK-677 again, this time being more careful about how much and coming off it if I didn't feel so great. At the moment, the gains are very quick and my body looks full and muscly – but there have been days where I have had pounding headaches, or really powerful stomach cramps. I also live with the knowledge that MK-677 is not FDA-approved and may carry side effects I've yet to encounter, which could be even more dangerous. So why do I take it? I feel that you only live life once and I want to test my body. At least I can say I did everything I could to obtain the best physique possible. And there's no getting away from the fact that people like me are willingly hacking their biology without necessarily waiting for long-term safety data or regulatory approval. You only have to look at someone like Bryan Johnson, who regularly has stem cell therapy and used immunosuppressants usually given to for organ transplant patients in a bid to live longer, to see how far some people will go. It feels like a new era where pharmacological self-optimisation is becoming mainstream and the line between medicine and lifestyle enhancement is blurring. More Trending However, MK-677 shows how quickly new science can leap from the lab bench to TikTok-fueled trends, where people happily experiment on themselves. The question is, are users really prepared for what comes next? *Name has been changed PT Kevin Rail is a contributor at Premium Saunas, a company that promotes a lifestyle centered around wellness and relaxation. View More » MORE: Chef claims viral moment with influencer destroyed his career – but who's in the right? MORE: 'I'm an elite matchmaker – sometimes you don't know who you're talking to until NDAs are signed' MORE: How Princess Anne earned her nickname as 'hardest working royal' Your free newsletter guide to the best London has on offer, from drinks deals to restaurant reviews.
Scottish Sun
6 hours ago
- Scottish Sun
The eight foods that will keep you cool this summer including surprising hot drink and spicy dish
EAT FOR HEAT The eight foods that will keep you cool this summer including surprising hot drink and spicy dish Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) WITH temperatures soaring across the UK, Tesco has reported a surge of thirsty customers buying hydrating fruit. The supermarket chain has reported a ten per cent increase in sales of berries, melons, grapes and other varieties as people scoff healthy snacks to help them cool off in the sun. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Shoppers are snapping up a range of different food to help cope in the heat 7 Eating a hot curry can be beneficial with ingredients boosting circulation, which helps you cool Credit: Getty 7 A hot cup of tea can still be refreshing, and sends signals that help you cool down Credit: Getty But some of the best food and drinks for warm weather sustenance might surprise you. Here, Laura Stott reveals the perfect menu to eat in the heat. CURRY: Tucking into a spicy vindaloo can provide perfect nourishment in warm weather. Many popular Asian dishes contain coconut milk, which aids electrolyte balance. Ingredients such as turmeric and ginger boost circulation, helping you cool. Coriander helps with heat tolerance, while chili fires up our cooling mechanisms. CUP OF TEA: A hot brew when it's boiling can be surprisingly refreshing and helps to keep you hydrated. University of Cambridge boffins proved that – whether it's builders', Earl Grey or green tea – when a drink is warmer than the body, it activates heat receptors on your tongue which tell the body to sweat, cooling you. ONIONS: Eating an onion has many heat-busting benefits. Cooked or raw, the root veggies contain sulphur compounds that encourage perspiration to help lower your body temperature. They are also packed full of a cooling flavonoid called quercetin, which helps the body absorb hot-weather stresses. And circulation- boosting benefits lower body temperature further. Each hydrating allium also consists of around 90 per cent water. UK Basks in Glorious Sunshine: Thousands Flock to Beaches as Heatwave Hits STEW: A hearty stew might sound like it belongs on a winter menu. But whether you simmer meat, chicken or veggies, the fluids in your pot are great for hydration levels. Seasonings like salt are ideal for balancing electrolyte levels, and mixed vegetables provide vital hot weather handy minerals such as magnesium and potassium. To give it a summer twist, opt for a lighter stew with a broth base. 7 After an initial heat burst, a bowl of soup will help your body cool down Credit: Getty TOMATO SOUP: A bowl of soup might make you feel warmer initially – but sweating means your body will quickly begin to cool down. Any variety will boost your hydration, but this classic soup is a superb summer pick as tomatoes are 94 per cent water. They are also high in antioxidant lycopene, which can help protect your skin from the sun. You can even enjoy it chilled, as a Spanish-style gazpacho. 7 Pineapples keep you hydrated and are also packed with health benefits Credit: Getty PINEAPPLE: This tropical treat is packed with powerful anti-inflammatory bromelain, known to help the body combat the effects of heat and inflammation. It's also handy for aiding digestion, if the warm weather has upset your tum. With 86 per cent water, pineapple keeps you hydrated and will regulate your body temperature, too. Scoff in chilled slices or add to smoothies. MINT: Fresh mint contains menthol, which activates cold receptors in the mouth to help you cool naturally – as well as tasting refreshing. Plant a pot of peppermint or spearmint on the windowsill for garnishes or add a dried sprinkle from the freezer to dishes. It can also help with heat-induced headaches. ICE CREAM: Perhaps not the most nutritious warm-weather food but licking a cone on a scorching day will still help cool you down temporarily as the frozen treat hits your tongue. For longer- lasting benefits, a lighter fruit sorbet or lolly from the freezer will replenish more fluids. But both should raise a smile while it's scorching. 7 Fresh mint contains menthol, which activates cold receptors in the mouth to help you cool naturally Credit: Getty
