Latest news with #MightyStride
Scotsman
07-08-2025
- Health
- Scotsman
Tragic loss inspires fundraiser for Pregnancy Sickness Support
A determined fundraiser is set to take on The Edinburgh Kiltwalk's Mighty Stride in aid of Pregnancy Sickness Support, a charity dedicated to helping those suffering from severe pregnancy sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum. The challenge, scheduled for the 14th of September 2025, aims to raise vital funds and awareness for those experiencing debilitating sickness during pregnancy. 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... 'HG is not just morning sickness. It is a misunderstood and under-recognised condition that leaves sufferers fighting not only for care but often for their lives. Many healthcare professionals have little or no training in HG, and as a result, too many women are left to advocate for themselves while being critically unwell. I know this all too well. Having had three HG pregnancies and losing all three to this devastating condition. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad During my pregnancies I was bedbound, vomiting over 50 times a day, and completely unable to eat or drink. Oral medications wouldn't stay down, and I was repeatedly hospitalised, often for weeks at a time. I was given five intramuscular injections every day just to try to manage the relentless nausea. These injections left me black and blue with bruises, and often in so much pain that I couldn't sit down without crying. I was also on the maximum dose of IV steroids, just to keep me stable. Every time I was discharged and sent home with oral medication, I would rapidly deteriorate, and within 24 hours I was usually back in hospital, severely dehydrated, too weak to stand, and uncontrollably vomiting. Lauren, alongside her fundraiser, is giving back to the charity that saved her life by volunteering as a peer supporter, supporting others facing HG. This condition didn't just affect me, it also devastated my partner, Kieran. He watched helplessly as I suffered, often having to carry me to the car, help me shower, he would wash and dry my hair, and do basic things I couldn't manage alone. We were terrified. We genuinely both thought I was going to die.' Lauren went on to receive peer support through Pregnancy Sickness Support, a person who had been through HG herself. 'I could text her whenever I needed, and she truly understood what I was going through. After my pregnancy ended, the charity provided me with counselling sessions, which I hand on heart believe saved my life. At a time when I felt completely isolated, suicidal, and heartbroken, those sessions gave me hope and a path forward. My counsellor was so patient with me, she let me sit in silence, she let me cry, she just let me be what I needed to be in that moment, and after eight weeks I began to see a light at the end of the tunnel.' Unfortunately, Lauren's story isn't an isolated incident. "Pregnancy sickness is often misunderstood, and we hear from sufferers every day, almost 3000 in 2024, reporting similar experiences. We hope this challenge will not only raise much-needed funds but also increase awareness of the impact it has on those affected"said Jasmine Ross, Support & Fundraising Coordinator at Pregnancy Sickness Support. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Lauren hopes to raise £1000 through donations and sponsorships, all of which will go directly to Pregnancy Sickness Support to aid their crucial work. This sum could provide 3 HG sufferers with the specialist counselling Lauren received in the weeks after her pregnancy.
Edinburgh Reporter
07-08-2025
- Health
- Edinburgh Reporter
Fundraiser inspired by personal loss
A determined fundraiser is set to take on The Edinburgh Kiltwalk's Mighty Stride in aid of Pregnancy Sickness Support, a charity dedicated to helping those suffering from severe pregnancy sickness and hyperemesis gravidarum. The challenge, scheduled for the 14th of September 2025, aims to raise vital funds and awareness for those experiencing debilitating sickness during pregnancy. Pregnancy Sickness Support provides essential services, including a helpline, peer support network, and medical guidance for those suffering from hyperemesis gravidarum (HG), a condition that affects around 1-3% of pregnant women and can lead to severe dehydration, weight loss, and hospitalisation. Lauren said: 'HG is not just morning sickness. It is a misunderstood and under-recognised condition that leaves sufferers fighting not only for care but often for their lives. Many healthcare professionals have little or no training in HG, and as a result, too many women are left to advocate for themselves while being critically unwell. 'I know this all too well. Having had three HG pregnancies and losing all three to this devastating condition. 'During my pregnancies I was bedbound, vomiting over 50 times a day, and completely unable to eat or drink. Oral medications wouldn't stay down, and I was repeatedly hospitalised, often for weeks at a time. I was given five intramuscular injections every day just to try to manage the relentless nausea. These injections left me black and blue with bruises, and often in so much pain that I couldn't sit down without crying. I was also on the maximum dose of IV steroids, just to keep me stable. Every time I was discharged and sent home with oral medication, I would rapidly deteriorate, and within 24 hours I was usually back in hospital, severely dehydrated, too weak to stand, and uncontrollably vomiting. 'This condition didn't just affect me, it also devastated my partner, Kieran. He watched helplessly as I suffered, often having to carry me to the car, help me shower, he would wash and dry my hair, and do basic things I couldn't manage alone. We were terrified. We genuinely both thought I was going to die.' Lauren went on to receive peer support through Pregnancy Sickness Support, from someone who had been through HG herself. 'I could text her whenever I needed, and she truly understood what I was going through. After my pregnancy ended, the charity provided me with counselling sessions, which I hand on heart believe saved my life. At a time when I felt completely isolated, suicidal, and heartbroken, those sessions gave me hope and a path forward. My counsellor was so patient with me, she let me sit in silence, she let me cry, she just let me be what I needed to be in that moment, and after eight weeks I began to see a light at the end of the tunnel.' Unfortunately, Lauren explains hers is not an uncommon story. Jasmine Ross, Support and Fundraising Coordinator at Pregnancy Sickness Support. 'Pregnancy sickness is often misunderstood, and we hear from sufferers every day, almost 3000 in 2024, reporting similar experiences. We hope this challenge will not only raise much-needed funds but also increase awareness of the impact it has on those affected.' Lauren hopes to raise £1,000 through donations and sponsorships, all of which will go directly to Pregnancy Sickness Support to aid their crucial work. This sum could provide three HG sufferers with the specialist counselling Lauren received in the weeks after her pregnancy. Supporters can donate or learn more about the challenge by visiting: Pregnancy Sickness Support: Lauren's Fundraiser – Help Me Support Women Suffering from Hyperemesis Gravidarum Like this: Like Related
Scotsman
25-07-2025
- General
- Scotsman
Dundee families walk together for a more inclusive future
A group of Dundee parents and children are playing their way to fitness as they prepare for next month's Kiltwalk. Sign up to our daily newsletter – Regular news stories and round-ups from around Scotland direct to your inbox Sign up Thank you for signing up! Did you know with a Digital Subscription to The Scotsman, 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 group of 40, including parents and children who attend The Yard, alongside dedicated staff, are raising funds for the refurbishment of the Dundee service, which supports families, children and young people with disabilities and additional needs. The inclusive play centre, which also provides wraparound family support, is currently being transformed into a fully accessible, year-round community hub, set to open in the Autumn. In the meantime, Yard continues to operate out of temporary premises at Dundee East Community Sports Club, with summer holiday sessions at Kingspark School. Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad The ambitious, £1.5M upgrade includes a new roof, sensory room, Changing Places toilet, expanded play areas, meeting and office space, and a large communal kitchen and dining area. The outdoor garden and play zones are also taking shape, with NHS Tayside Charitable Foundation contributing £100,000 to the outdoor space and donating two spaces to the Kiltwalk. The Yard Kiltwalkers Most of the group are embarking on the four-mile Wee Wander, including Dundee Mum Cheryl Ferguson and daughter Rio who are returning for their second year and inspiring others to get involved. A few brave walkers are tackling the full 20-mile Mighty Stride. As Sunday 17 August approaches, the team have already raised almost £1,000. Gill Thomson, Service Development Manager at The Yard Dundee, who is walking alongside her two sons, said, 'The fact that so many mums, dads and children have signed up is a real testament to how much The Yard means to them. Our families really are our best ambassadors, and everyone is super-excited for the reopening, but we still need more money to get the doors open, and every pound raised brings us a step closer. 'Four miles may feel like a big ask but we're a strong and resilient community and are determined to do our best. All the summer fun at The Yard is keeping us fit and fired up for the big day!' Advertisement Hide Ad Advertisement Hide Ad Gill will be joined by Dundee mum Pamela Donaldson, whose nine-year-old daughter attends The Yard. She said, 'I've been coming to The Yard every Sunday with my daughter since she was three years old. She absolutely loves it. It's a place she can just be herself, and feel free, and we're so excited about the reopening and the opportunities the new building will bring. I don't normally ask for sponsorship but this is a cause I'm so passionate about. I don't know what we would do without The Yard, or how we would have managed over the years without their support.' To donate, visit
Daily Record
01-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Record numbers turn out for Aberdeen's Kiltwalk
A record breaking 6,000 people strode out on two routes to Duthie Park in the city, raising more than £1.2 million in donations for 500 charities. The streets of Aberdeen turned tartan today as thousands took part in this year's Kiltwalk. A record breaking 6,000 people strode out on two routes to Duthie Park in the city, raising more than £1.2 million in donations for 500 charities. The majority set off from Bellfield Park in Banchory at 9am on Super Sunday for the 18-mile Mighty Stride while 1,300 Wee Wanderers set off from Cults Academy to make the four-mile trek to the beauty spot, winding their way alongside the River Dee. Since it was set up by Sir Tom Hunter 10 years ago, Kiltwalk has raised £54 million. Kiltwalk CEO Paul Cooney, said: 'It's incredible that 517 charities here in the North East of Scotland will benefit from today's efforts. Charities of all sizes; the biggest with 325 supporters to countless smaller charities - each with one or two walkers. Every penny, every pound raised plus Gift Aid goes to the causes chosen by the walkers. 'Last year's Aberdeen Kiltwalk raised £1.1 million and we are set to raise even more this year. And Kiltwalk, now in its tenth year since it was rescued by The Hunter Foundation, founded by Sir Tom Hunter, has raised £54.7 million for 4,000 Scottish charities since 2016. 'Thank you for your Kiltwalk kindness.' 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. All Aberdeen Kiltwalkers who registered and fundraised are in with a chance of winning a car worth £30,000 thanks to headline sponsor Arnold Clark. Russell Borrie, Chief Executive Officer of Arnold Clark, said: 'The Kiltwalk continues to make a huge difference to so many communities across Scotland, bringing people together to raise vital funds for charities close to their hearts.' The Kiltwalk also provided four lucky local charities with an additional £5,000 as part of 'the happiest minute at the Kiltwalk'. They were: SensationALL, which offers specially designed play activities, social groups and practical support for people with neurodivergent or complex conditions across northeast Scotland; Charlie House, which helps improve the quality of life for babies, children and young people in the North-east of Scotland with life-limiting conditions; Friends of ANCHOR, established to support patients and staff at Aberdeen's cancer and haematology centre and Kayleigh's Wee Stars, which provides vital financial support to families where a child has a terminal illness, helping them make precious memories during the most difficult times. This year, Kiltwalk is also supporting Sir Chris Hoy's Tour de Four charity cycling event, established by the six-time Olympic gold medallist following his diagnosis of Stage 4 prostate cancer. This means anyone who chooses to walk for Kiltwalk itself in 2025 will see everything they raise, plus eligible Gift Aid, go to five cancer charities nominated by Sir Chris Hoy. The charities are Breast Cancer Now, Cancer Research UK, Macmillan Cancer Support, Maggie's and Prostate Cancer UK. Next up is St Andrews to Dundee on Sunday, August 17, and Edinburgh on Sunday, September 14.
Press and Journal
31-05-2025
- Health
- Press and Journal
'We miss him every day': Torphins family raising awareness of bowel cancer in memory of dad and husband
An Aberdeenshire family is stepping out in memory of their dad and husband who lost his life to bowel cancer. David Laidlaw, from Torphins, was 45-years-old when he died in November last year. 'The girls and I miss him every day,' his wife, Jacqui Laidlaw, said. 'We lost our much-loved husband and amazing dad to bowel cancer. He was only 45, very fit and full of life. 'We wanted to do something positive in memory of David. 'And boost awareness and fund research into new ways to cure this disease.' On Sunday, Jacqui, 45, and her and David's oldest daughter, 14-year-old Jessica, will walk 18 miles in his memory. They will be joined by more than 10 friends for the Mighty Stride at this year's Aberdeen Kiltwalk to raise money for Bowel Cancer UK. The team of kilt-walkers have named themselves David's Dumb-Belles as a nod the dad-of-two's passion for fitness and strength training. 'The Torphins ladies have been out doing lots of training walks with the lighter evenings now, but it's been harder to get the wider group together all at once,' Jacqui said. 'I've received so many kind messages of support from staff and patients at my work which has been so lovely. 'We are determined to raise as much awareness as we can about bowel cancer and hope that all the money we raise will help people affected by this disease.' Ahead of the big day, the team has raised more than £6,000 – six times their original target. All of the money will go to Bowel Cancer UK which supports families impacted by bowel cancer, as well as funding research into the disease. Jacqui, who is also mum to Sophie, hopes they can spread awareness of the charity and the signs of bowel cancer while they walk from Banchory to Duthie Park. They will be surrounded by thousands of north-east walkers supporting charities close to their hearts – and in memory of their own loved ones. Bowel cancer is the fourth most common cancer in the UK with about 44,000 people diagnosed every year. The symptoms can include: Emma McGeever, from Bowel Cancer UK, said: 'Every 15 minutes someone gets a bowel cancer diagnosis. 'The money raised by David's Dumb-Belles will help us continue to raise awareness of the disease and its symptoms. 'As well as provide expert information and support to patients and their families, fund vital research, and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care. 'We hope that Jacqui and her team know the difference that their support will make, and we wish them all the best for the Kiltwalk this Sunday.'
