Latest news with #EdinburghHalfMarathon
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Yahoo
Edinburgh police catch driver 'recklessly playing solitaire' behind the wheel
Police in Edinburgh have charged a driver after they were found 'recklessly playing solitaire' while behind the wheel. Officers were patrolling the Leith, Portobello and Craigmillar neighbourhoods with a focus on road safety through the week. They detected ten mobile phone offences, and several other drivers were warned over minor offences. Two vehicles were also seized after they were found to have no insurance. READ MORE: 'Our Edinburgh scheme has a reputation for being tough - but it's misunderstood' READ MORE: Edinburgh Half Marathon underway in windy conditions as city centre awash with runners Police Scotland Edinburgh said: "Ten mobile phone offences were detected, and drivers were charged, including one driver who was recklessly found playing 'solitaire' while driving. "Several other drivers were warned about minor road traffic offences. Two vehicles were seized, having been found with no insurance. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox "Whilst on patrol NEST officers were first on scene to an injured person who had fallen. The officers used their first aid skills to assess and treat the casualty before the ambulance service took over care." One local resident said: "Excellent. We need more of this for sure." Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. Another added: "We need more of this!" A third posted: "Great job guys."
Yahoo
25-05-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
West Lothian football club issue lifetime ban for 'mindless idiot' after 'incident'
A West Lothian football fan has been issued a lifetime ban after an alleged spitting incident. The incident happened during Livingston FC's match against Ross County on Thursday evening. The fan, who has been branded a 'mindless idiot', appeared to be caught on TV cameras spitting at the Ross County coach. Livingston FC have urged authorities to extend the ban country-wide, reports the Daily Record. They have also identified the individual and passed the supporters' details on to police. READ MORE: 'Our Edinburgh scheme has a reputation for being tough - but it's misunderstood' READ MORE: Edinburgh Half Marathon underway in windy conditions as city centre awash with runners Ahead of the second leg on Monday evening, chief executive Dave Black issued a lengthy statement, slamming the 'abhorrent' actions of an individual they hope won't be setting foot inside a football stadium again. It read: 'We're absolutely appalled by the actions of one mindless idiot in the home end at last night's Premiership play-off game with Ross County. 'Football is undoubtedly an emotional sport and fans are more often than not the most passionate of all in their support for their teams. The highs and lows of a last minute goal, depending on what side you're on, is always going to provoke a burst of joy at one end, and an incredible disappointment at the other. "That's the nature of the game and that passion is why we all keep coming back week-after-week. However, what we witnessed in the ground last night, which was subsequently beamed all over the country and beyond on live TV, was abhorrent, shameful and tainted what was a hard fought, well balanced game between two teams battling it out for a place in the top flight. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox 'We all know that there's likely to be the odd bit of goading or verbals from opposition fans, such has been the case for as long as the game has been played, and you'll be hard pushed to find anyone in the game from managers to coaches to players who wouldn't expect that. What no-one should expect, or experience though, is someone approaching them from the stand and spitting in their face. "The absolute lowest of the low and an utter embarrassment for the person involved. I spoke with Steven Ferguson, CEO of Ross County, last night immediately after the incident, overnight via text and again this morning on the phone, as well as calling County assistant manager Carl Tremarco earlier today to offer an apology on behalf of the club for the disgusting way in which he was treated. "I know, and both Steven and Carl echoed the sentiment, that the action is absolutely not a reflection of the football club or our supporters and is entirely at the door of the culprit. Our thanks to a number of our own supporters who were quick to get in touch and help identify the individual, all of whom were as ashamed by what they saw as we were. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. "This has allowed us to identify the person involved and we've passed the details on to the police who will be investigating with a view of taking this further. We'll also be issuing a lifetime ban to the individual and will speak with the relevant authorities required to ask for that ban to be country-wide too." The statement continued: "Thank you to our own safety and security team, as well as the stewards around the incident who all moved quickly to help de-escalate the situation, and credit to Carl and the rest of the coaching staff for managing to stay as restrained as possible despite what had happened. "Again, on behalf of Livingston Football Club, our sincere apologies to Carl and all at Ross County for the behaviour of the individual – regardless of being outwith our control, we're disgusted that an opposition club would have that happen to them in our stadium."


Edinburgh Live
25-05-2025
- Climate
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh Half Marathon underway in windy conditions as city centre awash with runners
The Edinburgh Half Marathon got underway in blustery conditions on Sunday morning as thousands of runners lined the streets. Images show the streets of the Old Town and city centre awash with runners in bright colours as the gruelling 13.1 mile run got underway at 8am. The annual event has sold out since 2012 and is said to be one of the largest half marathons in the UK, with the full marathon starting two hours later at 10am on May 25. With the weather looking likely to bring showers in the afternoon, there is also a strong breeze which may just give some competitors a much needed boost along the way. The half marathon started at Potterrow and will finish just outside Prestonpans in East Lothian. Along the way runners will certainly get their fill of impressive scenery and backdrops, passing the likes of St Giles' Cathedral, Princes Street Gardens and Holyrood Park. Edinburgh Live Daily Newsletter Embeddable Solus They will then make their way towards Portobello, taking in the sea air along the promenade before reaching Musselburgh Golf Course and further east towards Prestonpans. With a descent of almost 90 metres to near sea level, organisers believe it is the fastest half-marathon route in the world. Take a look at our half-marathon picture gallery below to see if you can spot yourself once you have crossed the finish line.


Edinburgh Live
23-05-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Live
Devoted son runs Edinburgh Marathon for mum whose GP misdiagnosed incurable tumour
Our community members are treated to special offers, promotions and adverts from us and our partners. You can check out at any time. More info A Scottish man is taking on the Edinburgh Half Marathon in honour of his mum who has been diagnosed with an incurable illness. After what appeared to be hot flushes and a 'mini stroke', it was later revealed they were the symptoms of an aggressive and incurable brain tumour. Jonny Charles, 29, is running 13.1 miles to raise funds for Brain Tumour Research, following his mum Fiona's shock diagnosis with glioblastoma in October 2024. The 61-year-old former primary school teacher had experienced a series of unexplained symptoms that gradually worsened, reports Aberdeen Live. Jonny said: "Mum would do anything for anyone. She gave up her teaching career to raise me, my brother Matthew and my sister Jennifer." "She was always active, playing golf, walking a lot, and taking part in agility competitions with our dog, Pippa. They've won so many rosettes that I don't think I could count them. (Image: Brain Tumour Research) "In mid-2024, mum started having these odd episodes where she'd suddenly feel hot and flustered, with her heart racing, and she would need to sip water to calm herself. "She also mentioned a strange smell in her nose, like burning food, but couldn't describe it properly. At first, we were worried her heart palpitations may be mini strokes that would lead to a major one, but we just weren't sure. "Eventually, my parents decided to go private for an MRI because we just weren't getting answers. That scan changed everything." Although a GP letter had initially reassured the family that the "small area of change at the front of the brain absolutely does not look like a brain tumour", they were not satisfied and pushed for further investigation, arranging a private MRI scan at Albyn Hospital in Aberdeen. The results revealed a mass in Fiona's brain. Further testing, including a biopsy, confirmed it was a glioblastoma, one of the most aggressive and fast-growing forms of brain tumour, with a prognosis of 12 to 18 months. Fiona received the news just before her 61st birthday. "I'll never forget when she called us to come over so she could give the news to us in person," Jonny said. "She didn't tell us why, which made the wait really difficult. We sat down in the living room, and she told us she had cancer. "She stayed calm, but I could see the effort it took. We were all trying to come to terms with it, thinking about what the future might look like. "It hit me that there were things she might never get to see – weddings, grandchildren, all the moments you take for granted." (Image: Brain Tumour Research) Since her diagnosis, Fiona has completed radiotherapy and is currently on round five of six chemotherapy sessions, with treatment going as well as could be hoped. She has experienced fatigue, weight loss and reduced appetite, and has made significant changes to her diet after researching how sugar might fuel tumour growth. Initially on a mostly liquid diet, Fiona has now returned to eating more normally. She is also back to baking and cooking – activities she loves and that help lift her spirits. She often shares homemade food with Jonny and his sister when they visit. He has also taken over weekly agility classes with Pippa, helping maintain a routine that once brought his mum so much joy. Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. Jonny is now training for the Edinburgh Half Marathon in support of the new Scottish Brain Tumour Research Centre of Excellence, a collaboration between Brain Tumour Research and Beatson Cancer Charity. The centre, based in Glasgow and Edinburgh universities, is focusing on research into glioblastoma. Jonny said: "Before Mum's diagnosis, I had never even heard of glioblastoma. When I started reading about it, what shocked me most was how little funding it receives. "Just one per cent of the national spend on cancer research goes to brain tumours, even though they are one of the most aggressive and devastating forms of cancer. "That feels completely out of step with the impact they have on families like mine. "This isn't about finishing with a fast time. I'm doing it to raise money, to raise awareness, and to help make sure more people understand how overlooked brain tumours still are." Ashley McWilliams, Community Development Manager at Brain Tumour Research, said: "Jonny's story is incredibly powerful. His love for his mum and his commitment to doing something practical and positive are truly inspiring. "We are proud to have him supporting our work and wish him every success with the Edinburgh Half Marathon." To support Jonny's fundraising challenge, click here.


Daily Record
22-05-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Dad did not eat his Christmas dinner then got cancer diagnosis
Jim Delaney, 66, who lives in Edinburgh, had noticed subtle signs leading up to the festive period, including unexplained weight loss, tiredness, and back pain A dad of two was diagnosed with cancer after his children noticed he had lost his appetite for Christmas dinner. Jim Delaney, 66, had been experiencing subtle symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and back pain leading up to the festive season, but it was on Christmas Day that his adult children, Emer and Kealan, aged 27 and 31, realised something was seriously amiss. The Edinburgh siblings became concerned when Jim struggled to eat his most cherished meal of the year – his Christmas dinner – prompting them to insist he visit a doctor. It was there that Jim was diagnosed with myeloma, a type of blood cancer. "We noticed he was losing weight and he was quite sleepy," Emer said. The real alarm bells rang due to his back pain and lack of interest in his favourite festive foods, reports Bristol Live. 'Something is wrong' "We knew something was wrong," Emer said. Following the holiday season, Jim consulted his GP and, in 2020, after undergoing various appointments and blood tests, he was diagnosed with myeloma at the age of 61. "It was a bit of a shock," Emer admitted. "My dad was out for a walk one day when the phone rang and it was the GP saying he needed to go to the hospital ASAP. I had to phone my parents and say, 'Something is wrong'. "He was diagnosed quickly. The healthcare professionals were all quite shocked he was even able to go for a walk because the myeloma was very advanced. That sums up the type of person my dad is." Jim has faced a tough battle, undergoing chemotherapy and a stem cell transplant only for his cancer to return last year, requiring further treatment and a second stem cell transplant in an effort to control the disease. Fortunately, Jim is now stable. "He's back at work and doing amazing," Emer said. Running the Edinburgh Half Marathon Last year, Emer ran the Edinburgh Half Marathon to gather funds for Myeloma UK after the charity became a pillar of support and information for the family during Jim's health battles. "One of the first things we did when he was diagnosed was Google myeloma and it was very helpful to find Myeloma UK and to have resources to help us understand it and break it down," Emer said. Her motivation to raise money for Myeloma UK was fuelled by her father's condition, and her hope that if he relapsed, there would be other treatments available, new options which might allow him to lead a good quality of life. Emer felt empowered to tackle a full marathon this year after successfully completing the half marathon last year for Myeloma UK. Her brother, inspired by her dedication, decided to join and will run the half marathon, and together they aim to raise £1,500 for the charity. Emer recalls her novice status before taking on the previous year's challenge: "Before the Edinburgh Half Marathon last year, I'd done no running at all," she admitted. "Now I'm doing my first full marathon – it's been a journey. "Over the last few weeks, the training has gotten more challenging, but, when I'm running, I tend to think about the challenges my dad has faced in and out of hospital, and his courageous nature to carry on." Kealan said: "After seeing my sister do such a great job last year at the half marathon and raising an amazing amount for Myeloma UK, I was inspired to take on the challenge for such a great cause. I'm running this half marathon in tribute to my dad and everyone affected by myeloma. "It's not just about crossing the finish line, it's about showing strength, raising awareness, and supporting the incredible work of this charity. Every step I take is for him and the fight he's facing with courage every day." Myeloma often goes undetected Myeloma, an incurable blood cancer found in the bone marrow, affects over 33,000 people in the UK. Despite being the third most common type of blood cancer, it often goes undetected due to symptoms that can be mistaken for general ageing or minor ailments. Although incurable, treatment is possible for the majority of myeloma cases. Emer and Kealan are determined to raise funds for the charity to continue research into the disease – for their father and all other families impacted. Emer said: "I want to prove to myself that I can do it and I want my dad to be proud of me. "We are a very close family and are so lucky to have one another and good support networks who have kept us going and keep us positive. My dad himself has run marathons, so when it gets a bit tough I think, 'Well, I want to be like him. "I want him to be proud of me and if he can sit through lengthy treatments, then I can absolutely run a marathon for him. Kealan added: "My dad truly is my hero. I've never met a man who can remain so positive and show such determination every single day. "He's the sort of person that would have undergone the most horrific of treatments and would never complain and ask about your day instead. He would do anything for anyone and always has a smile on his face whilst doing so. "This Is for you Dad, keep fighting the good fight." To support Emer and Kealan, go to