Latest news with #GreatGlenWay
Yahoo
11 hours ago
- Health
- Yahoo
Double trek made cancer survivor 'feel alive'
A woman in remission with leukaemia said finishing two gruelling challenges in a week made her feel "really alive". Lesley Calder, from Bishop Stortford, Hertfordshire, climbed Ben Nevis and walked the Highlands Coast to Coast to raise funds for blood cancer charity, DKMS. The 59-year-old received a lifesaving stem cell transplant from her sister in 2019 and said she was keen to challenge herself again after completing a similar trek before she became ill. "[Back] then I felt fit and well, it wasn't a struggle in anyway - this was a lot tougher, without a doubt the hardest physical challenge I've ever done," she said. "It nearly killed me, but I did it." Mrs Calder ascended 1345m (4,413ft) to the top of Ben Nevis on 30 May and two days later began the 120km (75-mile) Great Glen Way challenge with six friends, reaching journey's end on 6 June. She said she "picked up where we left off" at the West Highland Way, which she completed 10 years ago, before being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia. "I wanted to feel like I was pushing myself, I was extremely emotional and I'm not a hugely emotional person," she said. "It sounds trite to say it, but I was pleased to be alive, it made me feel really alive." DKMS spokesperson Anna Norman said Mrs Calder was "absolutely amazing". "The fact that she was able take on a huge challenge like this shows how stem cell transplants can totally transform people's lives." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X. Sister's stem cells help woman fight leukaemia DKMS
BBC News
11 hours ago
- Health
- BBC News
Double trek made cancer survivor 'feel alive'
A woman in remission with leukaemia said finishing two gruelling challenges in a week made her feel "really alive". Lesley Calder, from Bishop Stortford, Hertfordshire, climbed Ben Nevis and walked the Highlands Coast to Coast to raise funds for blood cancer charity, DKMS. The 59-year-old received a lifesaving stem cell transplant from her sister in 2019 and said she was keen to challenge herself again after completing a similar trek before she became ill."[Back] then I felt fit and well, it wasn't a struggle in anyway - this was a lot tougher, without a doubt the hardest physical challenge I've ever done," she said. "It nearly killed me, but I did it."Mrs Calder ascended 1345m (4,413ft) to the top of Ben Nevis on 30 May and two days later began the 120km (75-mile) Great Glen Way challenge with six friends, reaching journey's end on 6 said she "picked up where we left off" at the West Highland Way, which she completed 10 years ago, before being diagnosed with acute myeloid leukaemia. "I wanted to feel like I was pushing myself, I was extremely emotional and I'm not a hugely emotional person," she said."It sounds trite to say it, but I was pleased to be alive, it made me feel really alive."DKMS spokesperson Anna Norman said Mrs Calder was "absolutely amazing". "The fact that she was able take on a huge challenge like this shows how stem cell transplants can totally transform people's lives." Follow Beds, Herts and Bucks news on BBC Sounds, Facebook, Instagram and X.
Scotsman
06-06-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
I'm cycling 186 miles for charity after my mum was diagnosed with Parkinson's
An Edinburgh man has set off on a gruelling 186-mile journey to raise money for Parkinson's UK after his mum was diagnosed with the disease last year. 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... Nico Ogilvie-Hayes began his charity cycle on Friday, June 6, and is cycling across 10 islands in the Outer Hebrides to raise awareness about the life-changing disease. The local tree surgeon was inspired to take on the mammoth challenge after seeing the great care provided to his mum by the charity, Parkinson's UK. Speaking to the Evening News, Nico said: 'When my mum was diagnosed with Parkinson's a year ago, it was a difficult time for our family – and especially for my mum who had to get used to living with the disease. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'There are a lot of unknowns because it affects people differently. Parkinson's can become a lot worse immediately after being diagnosed for some, but less so for others. But the Parkinson's UK team assigned to my mum and neurologists at the hospital have given us peace of mind, answered every question we had and have just been amazing, so I really wanted to give something back.' Edinburgh tree surgeon, Nico Ogilvie-Hayes, hopes to raise as much money as possible on his 186-mile charity ride. You can support Nico by visiting his Just Giving page | Submitted Starting at Vatersay, the 35-year-old will need to cross six causeways before finishing his journey at the Butt of Lewis Lighthouse around eight days later. The Edinburgh man will travel solo across the islands, travelling with his tent, cooker and necessary gear during his inspirational challenge. In the months leading up to his challenge, Nico has cycled vast distances after work, travelling between 25 and 35 miles in preparation for his charity cycle. He said: 'I've cycled in some charity rides in the past, but I'd still consider myself a novice. I did the Great Glen Way last year which is 66 miles over three days, but this is obviously a bit different and I'll probably be on the road for eight or nine days. 'I'm a tree surgeon which is a very physical job, and it's been hard to cycle long distances after work at times, but I've managed to get a few trial runs in to get back in the swing of things - but it's definitely going to be a challenge.' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Parkinson's disease affects around 13,000 in Scotland and a total of 153,000 people in the UK. It has more than 40 symptoms, from tremor and pain to anxiety, and there is currently no cure. Nico set off on his cycle across the outer Hebridean Islands on Friday, June 6 | Submitted Nico said: 'I'm supporting Parkinson's UK because they campaign for better healthcare, fund research and improve people's lives. Unfortunately there's a lack of understanding surrounding Parkinson's and its symptoms and people who aren't aware of this can get the wrong idea. 'For example one of the symptoms of Parkinson's is what they call a mask face, where someone has a blank expression and is unable to smile or make an expression to acknowledge what another person is saying. This could be easily misunderstood by someone who didn't know much about the disease. Other symptoms can include fatigue or a change in movement or posture.' Bruce Port, community fundraiser for Parkinson's UK, said: 'We are massively grateful to Nico for taking on such an incredible challenge to raise funds for Parkinson's UK. We're here to make every day better, for everybody living with Parkinson's. We campaign for better health and care, fund research into groundbreaking new treatments, and run life-changing support services. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad 'We couldn't do any of this without inspiring fundraisers like Nico who support our mission to be there for every Parkinson's journey.' Nico added: 'Parkinson's disease is the fastest growing neurological condition in the world, so I think taking any kind of action to spread awareness about this condition allows for people to have a greater understanding of the effects of Parkinson's and how they can help people and get involved.' To support Nico you can visit his Just Giving page and for more about Parkinson's you can visit the Parkinson's UK website.
