Latest news with #KellyHolmes


Daily Record
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
ITV Loose Women star opens up on health woes in candid confession
Dame Kelly Holmes, who is a double Olympic gold medalist, has opened up about her busy year and how she was forced to take things easy after feeling extreme burnout A Loose Women star has opened up about the need to slow down this year after experiencing severe burnout due to her hectic lifestyle. Olympian Dame Kelly Holmes, 55, candidly opened up on her health woes. The 55-year-old, celebrated for her achievements in middle distance running, confessed that an action-packed previous year had left her too exhausted to continue. The familiar face on Loose Women still powers on to maintain a fit lifestyle. "I was travelling all over the world, often doing five or six speaking engagements a week, I had my big 20-year medal celebrations and visiting Machu Picchu for charity. But burnout is a big issue for me, by January I could feel something wasn't right health wise," she disclosed to the Mirror. Often seen on the Loose Women panel as part of the ITV lunchtime chat show, Kelly remarked: "I took it as a sign that, while last year was amazing, I overdid it, and I couldn't do the same this year." She admitted: "I can't jump out of bed every day full of energy, and not every day is motivating. If I'm not feeling up to it, I don't need to run the half-marathon, for example, I'd rather be there in full spirit and energising everybody else." Kelly shared how embracing a more leisurely lifestyle has been beneficial, saying: "I've been able to look at every part of how I deal with things now, and that's a real strength. Over the last four or five months, I think I've spent more time at home than I have in years. I love being out in the garden – and with my alpacas!" Yet, with Kelly still striving for 12,500 steps daily, participating in parkruns, and maintaining a healthy diet, it's evident that she remains significantly active. She explained: "I try to move every day, and that might be walking to a job rather than getting an Uber, because I'll get my steps in and I can people watch! I use it as a wellbeing tool to make me feel good about myself. On a weekend, we might go paddleboarding or on a dog walk or meet up with friends." Kelly has also become the official ambassador for vitamin brand Solgar's wellness partnership with The AJ Bell Great Run series this summer. She shared her enthusiasm for promoting health and fitness, saying: "I'm a huge fan of inspiring and motivating people to keep fit and moving in their lives – especially as we get older. Fitness has always been part of my life, but I'm at a point where I really understand the need for us to look at our overall wellbeing. "So I've been going to the runs and it's just been the best. I've seen people of all ages getting their moment when they cross the finish line." She also reflected on her involvement with the running events. Kelly observed a positive trend among young participants, adding: "Also, I've seen a huge amount of young women, in their mid-to-late twenties, taking part – more than I'd normally see. It was so positive to see that generation into their fitness and not being embarrassed or worried about the old vision of what women "should" look like. It's changed, athletic, strong bodies are seen as beautiful now."


Daily Mirror
4 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
Loose Women star hit by health issue as she says 'I can't do it'
Athlete and Loose Women star Dame Kelly Holmes has revealed how she was forced to slow down after running into a health issue, admitting she 'overdid it'. Dame Kelly Holmes has revealed how she was forced to slow down this year after feeling extreme burnout amid her busy schedule. The Olympian, 55, who is known for her impressive career as a middle distance runner, admitted to Mirror that a busy year last year left her unable to carry on. "I was travelling all over the world, often doing five or six speaking engagements a week, I had my big 20-year medal celebrations and visiting Machu Picchu for charity. But burnout is a big issue for me, by January I could feel something wasn't right health wise," she explained. Kelly, who is now a regular on the Loose Women panel, continued, "I took it as a sign that, while last year was amazing, I overdid it, and I couldn't do the same this year. "I can't jump out of bed every day full of energy, and not every day is motivating. If I'm not feeling up to it, I don't need to run the half-marathon, for example, I'd rather be there in full spirit and energising everybody else." Explaining that the time enjoying a slower pace of life has been one she's enjoyed, Kelly said: "I've been able to look at every part of how I deal with things now, and that's a real strength. Over the last four or five months, I think I've spent more timeat home than I have in years. I love being out in the garden – and with my alpacas!" However, as Kelly says she still aims for 12,500 steps a day, often takes part in parkruns and keeps her nutrition in check, it's clear she's still more active than many. She said: "I try to move every day, and that might be walking to a job rather than getting an Uber, because I'll get my steps in and I can people watch! I use it as a wellbeing tool to make me feel good about myself. On a weekend, we might go paddleboarding or on a dog walk or meet up with friends." And adding another thing to her busy roster, Kelly is the official ambassador for vitamin brand Solgar's wellness partnership with The AJ Bell Great Run series this summer. "I'm a huge fan of inspiring and motivating people to keep fit and moving in their lives – especially as we get older. Fitness has always been part of my life, but I'm at a point where I really understand the need for us to look at our overall wellbeing. "So I've been going to the runs and it's just been the best. I've seen people of all ages getting their moment when they cross the finish line," she said of the partnership. Kelly added: "Also, I've seen a huge amount of young women, in their mid-to-late twenties, taking part – more than I'd normally see. It was so positive to see that generation into their fitness and not being embarrassed or worried about the old vision of what women 'should' look like. It's changed, athletic, strong bodies are seen as beautiful now.


Scottish Sun
08-05-2025
- Lifestyle
- Scottish Sun
Dame Deborah James named among most empowering female role models of past 25 years
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) DAME Deborah James has been named among the most empowering female role models of the past 25 years. The late BowelBabe cancer campaigner ranked third behind burns survivor Katie Piper, 41, and former First Lady Michelle Obama, 61. Sign up for Scottish Sun newsletter Sign up 7 Sun columnist Deborah died of bowel cancer aged 40 in June 2022 after a fearless campaign to destigmatise the disease Credit: Dan Williams 7 Singer and actress Selena Gomez also made the list Credit: Getty 7 Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes was honoured in the list, coming in at number 5 Credit: Getty Sun columnist Deborah died of bowel cancer aged 40 in June 2022 after a fearless campaign to destigmatise the disease. Her BowelBabe fund has raised more than £16million. Other women who were voted into the top 20 include music legend Tina Turner, Olympic champion Dame Kelly Holmes, fictional character Bridget Jones and actresses Emma Thompson and Kate Winslet. Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg, who spent her life fighting for gender equality and civil liberties, also earned a place on the list. The study of 4,000 adults found that the traits most valued in a role model are honesty, kindness and intelligence. Galaxy chocolate conducted the research as part of an ongoing partnership with the Young Women's Trust. Galaxy director Romi Mackiewicz said: "We know role models play a critical role in helping lift people up and can positively impact confidence, career and even health. "Our research shows that women think it's important to have a female role model and it's also shown that we need to celebrate and highlight women who embrace a new definition of empowerment." It also emerged role models inspire people to make meaningful life changes - from putting their mental health first, to aiming for leadership roles, or simply not being afraid to speak up. Others say they've been encouraged to take time out for themselves, or talk more openly about issues that matter, after being inspired by someone they look up to. On average, almost three in ten (29 per cent) believe the workplace is a key setting for positive role models. The 4 signs of bowel cancer that mean it's 'too late' - as doctor reveals cause of surge in young people being diagnosed However, there is a generational divide, with older generations saying they don't look for role models at all (67 per cent), compared to just seven per cent of Gen Z. For older generations who do look for role models, they seek inspiration from family members or friends (48 per cent). Likewise, Gen Z also turn to family or friends (63 per cent) as their main role models, but are increasingly looking to influencers (34 per cent), the television (28 per cent) and celebrities (23 per cent) too. When asked what type of content inspires them most online, 29 per cent said they're moved by people being honest about the tough times. And 15 per cent said showing authenticity with unfiltered posts is the quality that inspires them most, according to the findings carried out by 7 Brit Olympic boxing champ, Nicola Adams, was placed at number 20 in the list Credit: Getty 7 Brit actress Emma Watson was placed at number 14 in the list Credit: Getty 7 Former US First Lady Michelle Obama topped the list of most empowering women of the past 25 years Credit: AFP 7 Malala Yousafzai: Activist, Nobel Prize Laureate, was honoured at number 9 Credit: Getty


Scotsman
08-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Scotsman
VE Day 80 TV: how to watch it and which channel is it on?
Watch more of our videos on and on Freeview 262 or Freely 565 Visit Shots! now Watch all of the VE Day 80th anniversary events on the BBC 📺 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... The country is preparing to celebrate the 80th anniversary of VE Day. It marks the day that Germany surrendered during World War II. But how can you follow the coverage on TV? The BBC has confirmed its TV plans for the 80th anniversary of Victory in Europe (VE) Day. It includes a wide-ranging slate of special programming across television, radio and online. Earlier in the week a historic flypast took place on Bank Holiday Monday (May 5) but plenty more is planned. VE Day marks the day that Germany unconditionally surrendered during World War II - bringing fighting to a stop on the European continent. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad But what can you expect on TV this VE Day? Here's all you need to know: Which channel is VE 80 coverage on? VE Day 80 | Getty Images BBC will be leading the coverage of VE Day's 80th anniversary today (May 8). Over on BBC One there will be special editions of BBC Breakfast, Morning Live, The One Show, Antiques Roadshow. BBC Two's VE Day plans include VE Day 80: We Were There, featuring personal accounts from the last surviving veterans of WWII, and Dad's Army at the BBC, showcasing rare, classic clips of the beloved sitcom's cast in unique, off-screen moments. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Tim Davie CBE, Director-General of the BBC, says: 'VE Day stands as a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and resilience shown by so many during one of history's darkest times. At the BBC, we are proud to bring the nation together to pay tribute to the WWII generation and ensure their legacy is remembered.' What VE Day 80 coverage is on TV? Earlier in the week it started with 'Nation Pays Tribute' on May 5. It saw a spectacular flypast featuring the Red Arrows. BBC One BBC Breakfast will have a special VE programme broadcast from outside Westminster Abbey today. The show will start as usual at 6am. It will be followed by Morning Live at 9.30am and Dame Kelly Holmes will presents a heartfelt film about a village for war veterans. There will also be a live link to BBC Events' coverage from Westminster and a behind-the-scenes look at concert preparations. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Plans are also in place for a live report from a VE Day ceremony in Plymouth and potential collaborations with Antiques Roadshow and EastEnders. The show will close with a live performance from soprano Laura Wright before handing over to national coverage at 10.45am. VE Day 80: The Nation Remembers is scheduled to start at 10.45am and will focus on the service of thanksgiving at Westminster Abbey. Petroc Trelawny will provide commentary from inside Westminster Abbey and invited guests will share their memories. From the BBC's studio in St James's Park, Sophie Raworth will be joined by special guests, talking about their experiences of the war years. It is due to finish at approximately 1.30pm. Coverage will resume in the evening with A Celebration to Remember, which starts at 8pm. The finale of the VE Day 80 celebrations culminates in a live concert from Horse Guards parade in London presented by Zoe Ball. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Alongside the stars of stage and screen who will perform at the concert, veterans will also tell their stories of love, loss and resilience, as they share their unique experiences of VE Day when they could finally smile again. With a live orchestra, the concert will channel the spirit of what was the ultimate feel good party, and no VE Day concert would be complete without special performances of 'The White Cliffs of Dover' and 'We'll Meet Again'. Zoe Ball said: 'I'm truly honoured to play a small role in the celebrations of such a momentous occasion. My dear Dad Johnny Ball was six years old on VE Day, his memories of that time are incredible. Our great grandparents, and grandparents, our families, our nation went through so much. The bravery and sacrifices of so many for our freedom, we must always remember and this will be a very special night with some magnificent performances." Before the concert starts, Sophie Raworth is once again live in St James's Park in London with celebrity guests, and backstage reporters will be joined by performers taking part and veterans sharing their wartime memories. Have you got a story you want to share with our readers? You can now send it to us online via YourWorld at . It's free to use and, once checked, your story will appear on our website and, space allowing, in our newspapers.


The Guardian
04-05-2025
- General
- The Guardian
Britons largely unaware of Black and Asian contribution to WW2 effort, research shows
The British public is largely unaware of the contribution made by soldiers from Commonwealth countries such as Jamaica and Kenya to the second world war, research has found, as campaigners say greater recognition of the diversity of those who fought against fascism will strengthen national unity. Ahead of the 80th anniversary of VE Day on 8 May, a FocalData poll for the thinktank British Future, which works to highlight integration, found 'there is a strong public appetite' for greater awareness and teaching in schools of the diversity of the war effort – but a lack of knowledge about the contribution of Black and Asian personnel. The research found 86% of respondents agreed 'all those who thought for Britain in the world wars, regardless of where they came from' should be commemorated and 77% felt remembering the 'shared wartime history' of British and Commonwealth troops could help build cohesion in today's 'multi-ethnic society'. But only 24% of respondents were aware troops from Jamaica and Kenya fought for Britain, while only 34% were aware of Muslim soldiers' contributions and only 43% knew about the service of Sikh personnel. The findings of the poll, from a representative sample of 1079 adults, come as the Commonwealth War Graves Commission (CWGC) urges people to reflect on the 'loss of so many from across the globe' this VE Day, which marks the official surrender of Nazi Germany. Canadian soldier Pte Clarence Alvin Trimm, 21, born to Guyanese parents in Montreal, is among those CWGC is commemorating this year. He first tried to enlist at 15, growing a moustache to look older, and was fatally wounded in Germany just two weeks before VE Day, having taken part in the liberation of the Netherlands. British Future describes the western allied forces as 'remarkably diverse, including Hindus, Sikhs and Muslims from the 2.5 million-strong Indian army', alongside 1 million personnel from Africa and tens of thousands from the Caribbean, with crucial involvement in significant battles, intelligence and medical aid. Last month, 10 second world war veterans, including former UK, Indian and US personnel, urged the public, in an open letter released by the Together coalition, backed by public figures including former athlete and servicewoman Kelly Holmes and former chief scout and SAS trooper Bear Grylls, to remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, the 'danger of authoritarianism and fascism' and 'how it took all of us coming together across classes, religions, races and nations to prevail'. Before a 7 May webinar on the importance of remembering second world war Commonwealth troops, British Future director, Sunder Katwala, said: 'Getting that right can help broaden our national story and forge a more shared sense of identity. 'We should step up efforts to raise awareness ... Nearly half of us (45%) don't know about the Indian army's role in WW2, when we're talking about 2.5 million (people). Moments like VE Day 80 are an opportunity for their stories to be heard.' The Department for Communities and the Department for Education have been approached for comment.