Latest news with #LondonMarathon
Glasgow Times
20 hours ago
- General
- Glasgow Times
Husband and wife duo retire from Glasgow Post Office after 30 years
Dilbag and Jatinder Sandhu officially retired from the Halfwayhouse branch on Paisley Road West in Cardonald on May 28. Over the past three decades, the couple – who worked as subpostmasters - ran three Post Office locations across the city, including one in Anderston and two in the Southside. Ahead of their retirement, Dilbag explained that they had 'enjoyed every moment'. Subpostmaster Dilbag Sandhu and his wife Jatinder pictured at their Post Office at 1577 Paisley Road West, Cardonald (Image: Colin Mearns) He went on to highlight the overwhelming kindness the family had received from the people of Cardonald over the last few decades. Dilbag said: 'The Post Office was like our second home. You get to see different people every day, you provide a service, and they respect you. 'I'm feeling very emotional about retiring. We have received so many cards, flowers, and chocolates. 'When I read the cards, I get a tear in my eye. My wife and I enjoyed every moment because the people are so nice, I can't explain it.' (Image: Colin Mearns) READ NEXT: Glasgow couple celebrate life-changing National Lottery win The duo first joined the Post Office in 1990 after previously running a grocery and off-sales store. During their time in the Southside, Dilbag completed four London Marathons, 10 half marathons in Glasgow, and multiple Great North Runs – raising thousands of pounds for charity. He explained that he was inspired to begin his running journey after a customer was diagnosed with cancer. Before this, Dilbag says he had never run in his life. (Image: Colin Mearns) He added: 'I had never run in my life, but suddenly it came to my mind because one of our customers had lung cancer and he was such a decent man. 'We used to visit him in the hospital from time to time, and I told him that I would run for him. That man supported me so much. 'That's where my running journey began. When I first took part in the London Marathon, every customer supported me, and we raised more than £1000 for a cancer charity. 'I was planning to fly to London on the Saturday as the event was on the Sunday, and there were four or five ladies who came to see me off and give me their blessings. 'This is something I cannot forget in my life.' READ NEXT: Glasgow's newest mural has the East End talking - here is why Dilbag also noted another one of the couple's favourite memories of working at their previous location on Lammermoor Avenue and what their retirement plans are. They had helped one of their regular customers celebrate her 100th birthday at the store. Dilbag commented: 'For a couple of years, there was a lady who used to come in and she would always give us motherly love. 'We would sometimes visit her at her house, and I told her that for her 100th birthday, we could celebrate at the Post Office. 'It was wonderful. We are very, very sad to be leaving. Several weeks ago, we had our first grandchild in 15 years, so we will go visit him. 'Then, after that, there are a few things to be done around the house. Once that is done we will plan further.'
Irish Daily Mirror
3 days ago
- Entertainment
- Irish Daily Mirror
'I thought my bum pain was from rollerblading - diagnosis was a shock'
A runner has humorously expressed his desire for a Kim Kardashian-like derrière after his cancer diagnosis led to pioneering reconstructive surgery on his backside. Carpenter Andy Spary, 39, from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, initially brushed off severe pain in his rear as a common ailment before the devastating revelation of stage three bowel cancer meant he had to have "a big chunk of his bum" surgically removed. Yet, even with the prospect of a significant operation ahead, Andy and his wife Amy, 35, are able to find some humour in the situation, anticipating an improved contour post-op thanks to surgeons' clever use of surrounding tissue to rebuild his buttock. Not one to rest, former rollerblader Andy is already making grand plans to conquer the London Marathon next year, seeing it as a pivotal part of his rehabilitation and a way to raise funds for Trekstok, a charity that supports young individuals battling cancer. "The diagnosis was a shock and it took a few weeks to really sink in," Andy shared. "I had a feeling something wasn't right but you never expect to hear news like that.", reports the Mirror. Andy quipped: "My wife has been joking that we should get a catalogue to choose from. I joked that it should be a voluptuous number which might be good for bouncing off when I fall on my skates – Kim Kardashian's name got thrown around a lot." Andy's battle with health complications began back in March 2024 when he found himself dashing to A&E at Tunbridge Wells Hospital, stricken with an agonising burn in his left buttock – initially shrugged off as a result of his skating endeavours. Following an MRI and biopsy procedures, it was discovered that Andy had developed a tumour branching out from his colon – landing him with a stage three bowel cancer diagnosis on June 14, 2024. His pre-existing condition of Crohn's disease, notorious for ongoing inflammation in the digestive tract and spurring on abnormal cell growth, was linked to this new ailment. "They class it as colon cancer but the tumour has branched off of my colon in my buttocks area and is spreading," Andy detailed. "We're focusing on the positives, which helps, taking it that it's treatable and I can beat it." Come July 8, Andy faced surgery to fit a stoma, side-lining the malign portion in readiness for chemo and radiotherapy sessions beginning two months afterward. The cancer, however, proved stubborn, not subsiding as much as hoped and leading to a secondary surgical attempt on May 21 to eradicate the cancer while preserving the stoma. "In an ideal world, if the treatment completely destroyed the tumour then the stoma could be reversed," he observed. "But realistically I think this is rare and if they could've shrunk the tumour down as much as possible it meant they wouldn't have to take out as big of a chunk of my bum. The plan was always to have surgery and end up with a stoma bag for life." On May 21, the medical team successfully removed the remaining part of Andy's colon, which included the residual tumour. This was followed by a plastic surgeon performing laparoscopic elape surgery to repair his pelvic floor and reconstruct his posterior with tissue from nearby areas. Andy remarked: "One surgeon removes the tumour and then the plastic surgeon patches everything up. New bum, new me, all good." The operation also offers the potential advantage of reducing his Crohn's disease symptoms, as it entails excising much of the impacted region. As an avid rollerblader, Andy is no stranger to hospital stays due to frequent admissions, and he acknowledges his familiarity with surgical procedures. He attributes his resilience in both physical and mental health to running, sharing that he would fit in runs around his biweekly chemotherapy treatments when he felt strong enough. His resolve has spurred him on to aim for the 2026 London Marathon, running for Trekstok, a charity that supports young adults living with cancer. His GoFundMe campaign has already collected over €4,000. "During my process battling this, I feel I've been incredibly fortunate to have had my wife and my parents to support me," Andy expressed. He understands that not everyone has such backing, underscoring the importance of Trekstok in helping young individuals who are suddenly faced with illness and lack a support network. Andy is utterly gobsmacked by the incredible support shown through GoFundMe, as donations have soared to €3,000 in under a week and continue to rise. Andy said: "I've been blown away by the GoFundMe support, making £2,500 in under a week and it's still going. If I could make £10,000, that would be unbelievable." Currently recuperating in hospital after his operation, Andy is keen to be discharged by May's end. He faces a tough journey to regain his ability to walk via physiotherapy, with aspirations to get back into marathon training before the year is out. He's managed to sit up and take tentative steps following surgery. Andy shared that although doctors are hopeful about the outcome, a scan after a month is needed to confirm whether he's truly cancer-free. "Keeping fit and healthy has been my best weapon," Andy revealed. "Having the goal of running my first marathon next year – stoma bag and all – is my motivation to stay positive and keep going. After this process, I'll be back on my feet, stronger and fitter with no more Crohn's and no more cancer, sorted."
Telegraph
4 days ago
- Entertainment
- Telegraph
How Greenwich became London's loveliest spot
Historic and handsome, with sweeping Thames views, a royal park and maritime heritage, Greenwich is one of London's most atmospheric neighbourhoods. The walls of its pubs echo with sailors' tales and its institutions are frequented by visitors from all over the globe, who come to marvel at painted ceilings and astronomic instruments of centuries past. With a pace of life that's more promenade than power-walk – except during the annual exodus of London marathoners – Greenwich's riverside pubs, bustling market and impressive museums make it the ideal place for a weekend escape (even if you live in London). Although you could arrive by train (note that the Cutty Sark DLR station is closed until spring 2026), it's far more fun, and scenic, to take the boat or the foot tunnel from the Isle of Dogs. Greenwich is south of the river – a vital distinction to Londoners – with trendy Peckham to the west, Blackheath and Lewisham to the south and Woolwich to the east. A Unesco World Heritage Site in parts, this pocket of London feels simultaneously grand and grounded. Here are all the things which make it an ideal place for your next domestic minibreak. Where time begins Climb up through Greenwich Park, one of the capital's oldest royal parks, and you'll reach the place where the Prime Meridian line slices the globe in two. Stand astride it, half in the eastern hemisphere and half in the west – looking down across distinctive twin domes to the river and the tower-speckled skyline – and feel the pull of centuries of discovery. Although its name references leafy, waterside qualities (so called by Danish settlers, Greenwich literally means 'green place on the bay'), for most, it is inextricably connected with time. Greenwich Mean Time, accepted globally in 1884 as the standard time reference, originated at the Royal Observatory, the first state-funded, purpose-built scientific institution in Britain; it was founded by King Charles II to aid maritime navigation. Today, it's a major museum and scientific site, showcasing the history of astronomy and the evolution of timekeeping, and celebrating its 350th anniversary in 2025 with special exhibitions and events. Families should book in for Ted's Space Adventure (at weekends and in the school holidays); a 30-minute, child-friendly show which introduces the planets and stars through music, storytelling and science. Maritime roots and market finds At the heart of Greenwich is the Old Royal Naval College, Sir Christopher Wren's architectural masterpiece and once the site of the royal palace where Henry VIII was born. It's now an occasional star of the silver screen (Les Misérables, The King's Speech, The Golden Compass). The moment you step inside the Painted Hall – originally built as a dining hall for retired seamen – you'll better understand why it took 19 years to complete, and why it's sometimes called the 'British Sistine Chapel'. This is just one of several Unesco buildings worth admiring in the area. The National Maritime Museum houses one of the world's largest collections of nautical treasures, from shipwreck relics to polar exploration gear and historic star charts; the elegant Queen's House next door blends classical design with world-famous artworks. Less than half a mile away, the Cutty Sark – the fastest tea clipper of her day and the world's last surviving example – is moored in magnificent retirement, her vast iron hull raised above ground so you can wander beneath it. Greenwich's covered market, open daily, was reinvigorated a decade ago and has been handsomely rewarded for its efforts. Wander through this vibrant hub of vendors, packed with handmade jewellery, vintage books, contemporary crafts and street food stalls where queues form before noon. Pick up fine cheese and charcuterie from French deli L'Hexagone or traditional candies, sold by the quarter, at Mr Humbug. Nearby, Beadoir, a boutique specialising in beads and handcrafted jewellery, also offers classes to make your own pieces, while at Made In Greenwich, you can support local artists and makers, buying everything from ceramics and textiles to foodie treats. If you're visiting in May, check out the Urban Village Fete, Greenwich Peninsula's biggest free day out. At any time of year, the gorgeous park is worth saving time for, from its Roman Temple, cherry blossoms and flower garden to what Google Maps helpfully labels as Best Deer Viewing Spot. Pubs, pies, sausages and street food Although Greenwich has its fair share of upscale dining options, like Southern Italian restaurant Bianco43, it does a roaring trade in hearty pub grub, café fare and more-ish street food, devoured by locals and visitors with equal zest. The Plume of Feathers – the oldest pub in Greenwich, which predates even the Old Royal Naval College – has been welcoming travellers since 1691 in its prime spot near the park's boating spot. If you fancy a pub crawl, the walk towards Deptford and Rotherhithe is dappled with historic riverside taverns; while in the other direction, the Trafalgar Tavern is perennially popular, with maritime décor and distinctive bunting. Locals get coffee and cake from Grind or 15grams Coffee House, and pizza from Wandercrust at The Pelton Arms. East End nostalgia comes in the form of pie and mash at Goddards at Greenwich on King William Walk, a 135-year-old family-run institution. The best British bangers are found down the road at Heap's Sausage Café on the corner of Greenwich Park. Its neighbour, Oliver's Jazz Bar, plays live music every night until late. Spend the night Moments from Greenwich Park, the museums and the Thames is the smart, unassuming pub-with-rooms Admiral Hardy (from £174 per night), with a back door that opens into Greenwich Market and its own pub garden. Greenwich Theatre or The O2 with a day or two exploring this lovely part of London.
Daily Mirror
5 days ago
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'I had pain in my buttock - diagnosis took a few weeks to sink in'
Andy Spary, 39, initially thought it was an injury A runner has quipped he's after a Kim Kardashian-esque rear end after his cancer diagnosis led to groundbreaking reconstructive surgery on his buttock. Carpenter Andy Spary, 39, from Tunbridge Wells, Kent, initially mistook severe pain in his posterior for a common injury before being hit with the earth-shattering news of stage three bowel cancer, requiring surgeons to excise "a big chunk of his bum". Despite facing a major operation, Andy and his spouse Amy, 35, are managing to see the bright side, harbouring hopes of an enhanced profile post-surgery thanks to the medics' handy work using tissue from nearby areas to recreate his buttock. Former rollerblader Andy isn't just sitting on his new glutes; he's setting ambitious goals to tackle the London Marathon next year as part of his recovery journey and to drum up funds for Trekstok, a charity aiding young cancer sufferers. "The diagnosis was a shock and it took a few weeks to really sink in," he confessed. "I had a feeling something was not right but you're never really prepared for news like that." Andy said: "My wife has been joking that we should get a catalogue to choose from. I joked that it should be a voluptuous number which might be good for bouncing off when I fall on my skates – Kim Kardashian's name got thrown around a lot." The onset of Andy's troubles traced back to March 2024 when he rushed to A&E at Tunbridge Wells Hospital with an acute burning pain in his left buttock - initially dismissed as a skating injury. An MRI scan and subsequent biopsy uncovered a tumour branching from his colon, leading to a stage three bowel cancer diagnosis for Andy on June 14, 2024. This condition was found to be associated with his pre-existing Crohn's disease, which is known for causing persistent inflammation within the digestive system and can trigger abnormal cellular growth. "They class it as colon cancer but the tumour has branched off of my colon in my buttocks area and is spreading," Andy explained. "We're focusing on the positives, which helps, taking it that it's treatable and I can beat it." On July 8, Andy underwent surgery to have a stoma fitted, effectively sidelining the cancerous region in preparation for chemotherapy and radiotherapy, which commenced two months later. Despite hopes, the tumour did not diminish as much as anticipated, prompting a second surgery on May 21, aimed at eradicating the cancer while maintaining the stoma. "In an ideal world, if the treatment completely destroyed the tumour then the stoma could be reversed," he said. "But realistically I think this is rare and if they could've shrunk the tumour down as much as possible it meant they wouldn't have to take out as big of a chunk of my bum. The plan was always to have surgery and end up with a stoma bag for life." The medical team proceeded on May 21 to excise the remaining portion of Andy's colon, including the residual tumour. A plastic surgeon followed up with laparoscopic elape surgery to mend his pelvic floor and reconstruct his posterior using tissue from the surrounding area. Andy said: "One surgeon removes the tumour and then the plastic surgeon patches everything up. New bum, new me, all good." The surgery also presents the hopeful benefit of alleviating his Crohn's disease symptoms, as it involves removing most of the affected area. A keen rollerblader, Andy is well-acquainted with hospitals due to numerous admissions, and he admits he's "no stranger to surgery". He credits running for keeping him robust in body and mind, revealing that he would squeeze in jogs between biweekly chemotherapy sessions whenever he felt up to it. This determination has fuelled his ambition to run the 2026 London Marathon for Trekstok, a charity supporting young adults with cancer. His fundraising efforts on GoFundMe have already surpassed £3,350. "During my process battling this, I feel I've been incredibly fortunate to have had my wife and my parents to support me," Andy said. He recognises that not everyone has such a network, highlighting Trekstok's role in aiding young people blindsided by illness without a support system. The outpouring of generosity on GoFundMe has left him astounded, with donations reaching £2,500 in less than a week and still climbing. Andy said: "I've been blown away by the GoFundMe support, making £2,500 in under a week and it's still going. If I could make £10,000, that would be unbelievable." Currently in hospital post-surgery, Andy is eager to get discharged by the end of May. He faces the challenge of relearning to walk through physiotherapy, with hopes to resume marathon training by year's end. He's been able to sit up and even take his initial steps post-surgery. He mentioned that while doctors have optimism about the surgery's success, he must await a month-long period before a scan can verify if he's indeed free from cancer. "Keeping fit and healthy has been my best weapon," said Andy. "Having the goal of running my first marathon next year – stoma bag and all – is my motivation to stay positive and keep going. After this process, I'll be back on my feet, stronger and fitter with no more Crohn's and no more cancer, sorted."
Pembrokeshire Herald
6 days ago
- Business
- Pembrokeshire Herald
Ashmole & Co raise more than £16,000 for Welsh cancer charity
Staff skydive, run and walk to support Tenovus Cancer Care STAFF at Ashmole & Co have raised more than £16,000 for Tenovus Cancer Care following a year of ambitious fundraising challenges, including skydives, marathons and charity walks. The accountancy firm's team pulled together across its Welsh offices to raise a total of £16,109.55 for the cancer support charity. Among the highlights was a tandem skydive over the Gower coastline, completed by ten thrill-seeking staff members. Partner Jim Cornock took on both the London Marathon and the notoriously gruelling Marathon Eryri last autumn, while Helen James from the Ammanford office organised a fundraising entertainment evening that brought in more than £1,600. Other events included a 12-mile sponsored walk along the Swansea coastal path and regular dress-down Fridays and cake sales in offices across the region. Sharon George, Partner at the Carmarthen office, said: 'Everyone knows someone affected by cancer. We wanted to support a charity based here in Wales, and Tenovus Cancer Care does incredible work helping families across the country. We're so grateful to our clients and friends who contributed to this effort—it's thanks to them we've raised such a significant amount.' The funds raised will cover one month's costs to operate one of Tenovus' Mobile Support Units, which deliver vital cancer treatments and services directly to Welsh communities. Clare Davies, Regional Fundraising Manager for Tenovus, added: 'We're incredibly grateful to Ashmole & Co for their dedication over the past year. The money they've raised will make a real difference to cancer patients and their families, helping us provide treatment, expert advice and emotional support when it's needed most.' Tenovus Cancer Care supports people affected by cancer across Wales through a wide range of services, including a free support line, community choirs, and its Mobile Support Units. For more information, visit
