Latest news with #EdinburghMarathonFestival
Daily Record
19-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Scots student reveals terrifying moment her dad collapsed while on the phone to her
Aimee Halstead was preparing to run her first 10k, but the shock phone call left her "conflicted". A Scots student has spoken about the terrifying moment her dad collapsed while she was on the phone to him. Aimee Halstead, 20, was getting ready to run her first-ever 10k at the Edinburgh Marathon Festival on May 25. Her parents were travelling from Bathgate, West Lothian, to cheer her on, with her feeling some nerves beforehand. She called them while walking to the start line, but after being told they were on their way, her dad suddenly collapsed during the call. When she realised her mum was being serious, she was left with "no idea what to do". Aimee told our sister title Edinburgh Live: "I kept trying to text mum and I didn't know whether to run, or leave the race and go find them. "Mum was saying it was fine, to just to the race. They didn't know what hospital they were going to and she said she'd talk to me after." Her dad was rushed to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, and was diagnosed with aortic stenosis, a serious condition which required open heart surgery. Aimee shared that it had been a "scary and emotional time" for her family. She continued: "I met them after at the Royal Infirmary, and doctors said he has something called aortic stenosis. Most people have about three heart valves, whereas they found out dad has only had two his whole life. He used to be a runner as well, I think just over time it's sort of worn down and unfortunately it's hit him now. 'He had to get a bunch of procedures, and they eventually told him the only way to deal with it was to have open heart surgery. It was quite scary because doctors said if he hadn't collapsed that day, and it had gone unnoticed for another month or so, it could have been a very different story. 'In a way it's lucky he collapsed, and that it happened when it did. Seeing your dad like that is so scary though, and having to hear about the surgery was awful." Aimee revealed that she found the race "not enjoyable" as she spent a large part of it conflicted over what to do. She said: "I was disappointed that my parents wouldn't be there at the finish line, but it was a nice achievement crossing the finish line because my friend did it with me. "But as soon as I crossed the finish line I had about five seconds of thinking 'great I've done it', then instantly my mind went to 'where's dad and how is he'. "It was really difficult because I didn't know that I was conflicted on whether do I even run this or do I try and find out what's happening. In that moment my mum and dad, they were kind of busy dealing with that, so I kept trying to text her and call her, but obviously she was trying to deal with my dad being unconscious and everything. "All the roads were shut after for the marathon as well, so I was trying to get an Uber. It was my first running event as well so I was already nervous." 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. She now plans to fundraise for the British Heart Foundation"in honour of her dad" as she wants to make him proud. She added: "You can find a lot of information so you don't feel as alone and you know that other patients and their families have gone through this. I wanted to do it for a charity that really means something to me. "I also want to make my dad proud obviously because he's going through it right now. It was an incredibly scary and emotional time for our family, as the possibility of losing your dad is one of the scariest thoughts I've ever had "That experience has made me even more passionate about raising money for the British Heart Foundation."
Edinburgh Live
19-06-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh student's terrifying phone call as dad collapses before 'sudden diagnosis'
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 An Edinburgh student has told of the terrifying moment her dad collapsed while on the other end of the phone. Aimee Halstead, 20, was all set up to take on her first 10k at the Edinburgh Marathon Festival on May 25. Having never participated in a running event before, she admits feeling 'pretty nervous', with her parents coming through from Bathgate to cheer her on. Aimee gave them a call while walking to the festival, and was told they were on their way. While on the phone, Aimee's dad collapsed - and when she realised her mum wasn't making a joke Aimee was left with 'no idea what to do'. Now recovering from open heart surgery, her dad was found to have aortic stenosis. Aimee admits it's been a 'scary and emotional time' for her family. Before her dad was taken to the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh, Aimee didn't know whether to complete the 10k or find her parents. Recalling the day, she told Edinburgh Live: "I kept trying to text mum and I didn't know whether to run, or leave the race and go find them. "Mum was saying it was fine, to just to the race. They didn't know what hospital they were going to and she said she'd talk to me after. "I met them after at the Royal Infirmary, and doctors said he has something called aortic stenosis. Most people have about three heart valves, whereas they found out dad has only had two his whole life. He used to be a runner as well, I think just over time it's sort of worn down and unfortunately it's hit him now. Sign up for Edinburgh Live newsletters for more headlines straight to your inbox 'He had to get a bunch of procedures, and they eventually told him the only way to deal with it was to have open heart surgery. It was quite scary because doctors said if he hadn't collapsed that day, and it had gone unnoticed for another month or so, it could have been a very different story. 'In a way it's lucky he collapsed, and that it happened when it did. Seeing your dad like that is so scary though, and having to hear about the surgery was awful." Aimee admitted that the 10k run was 'not enjoyable', as she spent most of it conflicted over what to do. She added "I was disappointed that my parents wouldn't be there at the finish line, but it was a nice achievement crossing the finish line because my friend did it with me. (Image: Supplied) "But as soon as I crossed the finish line I had about five seconds of thinking 'great I've done it', then instantly my mind went to 'where's dad and how is he'. "It was really difficult because I didn't know that I was conflicted on whether do I even run this or do I try and find out what's happening. In that moment my mum and dad, they were kind of busy dealing with that, so I kept trying to text her and call her, but obviously she was trying to deal with my dad being unconscious and everything. "All the roads were shut after for the marathon as well, so I was trying to get an Uber. It was my first running event as well so I was already nervous." Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages. Aimee is now looking to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation, 'in honour of her dad' as she hopes to make him proud. She added: "You can find a lot of information so you don't feel as alone and you know that other patients and their families have gone through this. I wanted to do it for a charity that really means something to me. "I also want to make my dad proud obviously because he's going through it right now. It was an incredibly scary and emotional time for our family, as the possibility of losing your dad is one of the scariest thoughts I've ever had "That experience has made me even more passionate about raising money for the British Heart Foundation." You can help Aimee with her fundraiser here.
Daily Record
15-06-2025
- Sport
- Daily Record
Larkhall YMCA Harriers rack up excellent times in various races
Athletes have done well in recent weeks Larkhall YMCA Harriers AAC took part in several events in recent months, with members racking up impressive times. The Edinburgh Marathon Festival saw JogScotland graduates Lorna Elvin (38.44), Lorna Cardwell (42.43)and Nicola Ferguson (42.46) in the 5k at the end of May, in their first race completing the Couch to 5K programme. On the Sunday, May 25, Shona Mitchell ran her first half marathon, completing the course in 2.27:04. Erin Gordon and John Collins took part in the full 26.2 mile marathon, with Gordon finishing in 4.00:15, with Collins not far behind in 4.19:36. Larkhall's U15 girls' team of Lily Cuthbertson, Lucy Thomson, Erin Ogston and Laci McNulty won bronze at the Lanarkshire AAA Track Relays in Cumbernauld on May 17. Drew Reid, George Brown, Emma Dooey and Aimee Davidson competed in a mixed 4x100m, finishing sixth. Senior endurance coach Alex Kidd took part in the Babcock 10k Series at Shettleston, Dumbarton and Helensburgh in V60, finishing in 57,22, 57.44 and 55.52, respectively. Rona MacPherson recorded a personal best time at the London Marathon, completing the course in 3.38:51, setting a new women's club record. Laci McNulty won silver in under-15 girls' 100m and bronze in 200m at the West District Track Championships at Kilmarnock. Ross Kinkade won silver in under-15 boys' 200m, while Aimee Davidson and Emma Dooey both reached the under-13 girls' 100m semi-finals, both setting PBs. Dooey set a PB in her 800m final, en route to finishing second. In under-15 girls' 200m, Lucy Thomson and Lily Cuthbertson recorded PBs in their heats. Drew Reid narrowly missed out on a PB in his heat in under-15 boys' 200m, and in 1500m. Sam Thomson ran well to set a PB in under-15 100m, and PBs were set by George B rown in the under-15 boys' 800m final, and Sophie Brennan in her 800m final, finishing third in a very tight finish. Michael Marden set a PB in long jump with 3.86m. Larkhall athletes played a big role for Team Lanarkshire as the Youth Development League kicked off on May 4. Ross Kinkade won under-15 200m A race, with the fastest overall time of 24.21, following that up wth a win in 4x100m relay. Laci McNulty won silver in the girls' under-15 200m, with 0.04 between her and first place. McNulty was part of a team that placed third in 4x100m. Sophie Brennan was in the U15 girls' B race and placed third in 2.39:90, bringing in more points for the team. Michael Marden and Drew Reid took part in U13 boys' 1500m, with Marden finishing seventh in the A race and Reid fourth in the B race. Marden and Reid formed part of the 4x100m team finishing fourth. George Brown finished seventh in the B race. At the end of the meet, Team South Lanarkshire had a commanding lead of 384 points, at the top of Division 2. Match 2 took place on May 25, with notable performances from Ross Kinkade – who won both the 100m and 200m A races and the 4x100 relay. Laci McNulty won her 200m and placed second in 100m A race, and won the 4x100m. Michael Marden finished fourth in U13 boys' 1500m and won his 4x100m, giving Harriers a clean sweep of the relays, and helping Team South Lanarkshire extend their league lead to 730.5 points and in the hunt for promotion next year, with one match remaining. In April, the Harriers' beginner group, JogScotland Larkhall, completed their Couch to 5k programme, running the Strathclyde Parkrun with friends. Twelve weeks of hard work, training three times a week, paid off as 36 of the original 40 completed the course. In March, a team of six endurance athletes headed to the Alloa Half Marathon. Aaron Partridge stormed through the 13.1 mile course in 1hr 14mins 44secs for 19th overall. Rona MacPherson was first female home in 1.38:18. Erin Gordon, Sarah Leggate and William Thomson completed the course next, all achieving PBs. Ted Zokas and Hannah McGuire finished the race, with McGuire setting a new PB. Louise Henderson took part in the Inverness Half Marathon, beating her old PB by nine minutes to complete the course in 2.10:48. Erin Gordon took part in the Monklands Half Marathon, where she was fourth female overall in 1.45:47. In the associated 10k, Shona Mitchell finished in 1.04:15.
Edinburgh Live
03-06-2025
- General
- Edinburgh Live
Edinburgh university bosses in tribute to young woman who died during marathon
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 Bosses from Queen Margaret University have paid tribute to a young woman who passed away while running in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival Olivia Tuohy, 24, tragically died after participating in the Edinburgh Half Marathon on Sunday, May 25. The Irish runner was a graduate of Queen Margaret University and her alma mater spoke on the news following Olivia's passing. A spokesperson from Queen Margaret University, said: 'We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Olivia Tuohy, graduate of Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh. "The QMU community send their heartfelt condolences to Olivia's friends and family at this extremely sad and difficult time." Earlier this week, Olivia's loved ones released a death notice to pay tribute. It read: "Olivia, a bright and beautiful spirit, passed away on the 25th May while participating in the Edinburgh Half Marathon. "Olivia's bubbly personality and kind heart will be deeply missed by all who knew her. Olivia is survived by her heartbroken parents Kieran and Liz and her brother Stephen and his partner Laura, her loving partner Michael and his parents Maria-Elena and Steven, aunts, uncles, cousins, neighbours and her friends both in Ireland and Edinburgh." Olivia was from Ennis in County Clare, located in the Midwest of Ireland. She was part of the Clare Ladies Gaelic Football, which also shared tributes for their sadly departed teammate. An announcement from the club stated: "We are deeply saddened to hear about the passing of Olivia Tuohy. "Her kindness, warmth, and vibrant spirit touched so many lives on and off the football field , and her absence will be felt profoundly. "Our thoughts and heartfelt condolences go out to her family, friends, her partner and all who loved her during this difficult time. May she rest in peace." Join Edinburgh Live's Whatsapp Community here and get the latest news sent straight to your messages.
Scotsman
03-06-2025
- General
- Scotsman
University pays tribute to former student who died at half marathon
The former university of the young Irish woman who died while running the Edinburgh Half Marathon last month has paid a heartfelt tribute to her. Sign up to our daily newsletter Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to Edinburgh News, you can get unlimited access to the website including our premium content, as well as benefiting from fewer ads, loyalty rewards and much more. Learn More Sorry, there seem to be some issues. Please try again later. Submitting... Olivia Tuohy, 24, from Ennis in County Clare, died while running in the Edinburgh Marathon Festival event on Sunday, May 25. She is survived by parents Kieran and Liz, her brother Stephen and her loving partner Michael. Olivia had recently graduated from Queen Margaret University in Edinburgh with the university paying tribute to the former student following her death. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad A spokesperson from Queen Margaret University said: 'We are deeply saddened by the tragic news of the passing of Olivia Tuohy, graduate of Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh. The QMU community send their heartfelt condolences to Olivia's friends and family at this extremely sad and difficult time.' A heartfelt message shared by her family said: 'Olivia, a bright and beautiful spirit, passed away on the 25th May while participating in the Edinburgh Half Marathon. Olivia's bubbly personality and kind heart will be deeply missed by all who knew her.' No funeral arrangements have been made as yet, but the family said that anyone wishing to make donations can do so via the Kevin Bell Repatriation Trust. Attempts have been made to contact the Edinburgh Marathon Festival for comment.
