Latest news with #Pragnell
BBC News
3 days ago
- Health
- BBC News
Derby doctor with one kidney completes 15 half Ironmans
A doctor who donated a kidney to help her mother has completed a gruelling challenge by swimming, cycling and running in 15 consecutive half-Ironmans. Meg Pragnell, an A&E doctor at Royal Derby Hospital, underwent surgery to have a kidney removed for daughter and mother made a full recovery, with Dr Pragnell going on to become a world record holder after finishing a 2km swim, a 90km bike ride, and a half marathon, everyday for 15 days across the UK's national 28-year-old said: "There were times where I felt like I wanted to give up but you dig deep and realise you have a bit more." Her journey took her from the start line in Scotland to Devon, battling through Storm Floris, and ending with a homecoming finish in the Peak Pragnell, who lives in Derbyshire, said her mother Aly Pragnell, 60, began to feel unwell while on a family holiday on 2023."She was bruising really easily and getting tired, she just wasn't herself it wasn't liker her at all - I always knew her as the fittest, healthiest woman."A blood test showed Mrs Pragnell, of Overton in Hampshire, had end-stage renal disease and "effectively no kidney function".She was taken to hospital where she started dialysis. After Dr Pragnell was confirmed as a match, surgery was lined up for them both. After the surgeries were booked in, "intense work" took place for the mother and daughter to prepare for the Pragnell said she had numerous doctor appointments before the surgery and kidney donation could take the first four weeks post-op, Dr Pragnell said she could "barely do anything" but some time later following her recovery, began training for her 15-day Pragnell said: "I knew I wanted to do everything I could to help get her life back."But I know mum would have done the same for me." Dr Pragnell has some experience with mammoth physical challenges already. She has already taken on a "bonkers" 10-day triathlon challenge in 2022 which saw her climb the Three Peaks, swam England, Wales and Scotland's largest lakes, and cycled between the locations to raise money for Alzheimer's UK and St Michael's Hospice after they supported her during the challenge, Dr Pragnell learned one of her best friends, Emma Hodges, had been diagnosed with soft tissue cancer, sarcoma."She went through a really difficult year of treatment, lots of chemotherapy, big operations and then further chemotherapy," Dr Pragnell said."Then a year and a bit after she started her treatment she was able to ring the bell and she remains in remission today which is a testament to the amazing team of doctors looking after her and her own utter determination."It was from this, Emma's family "threw themselves in to fundraising" and Dr Pragnell decided she wanted to help raise money for the Sarcoma UK charity by taking on another challenge of 15 half-Ironmans in as many days. Dr Pragnell admitted there were some tough moments during the momentous challenge but described the feeling of finishing as "pure euphoria".She added she "could not have done it" without the support of friends and family."Looking back now, it's been a massive whirlwind the last 15 days, I really enjoyed it," she said."The storm made it significantly less fun in the North Yorkshire Moors with massive headwinds and turning the water in what resembled a washing machine."The middle ones were a massive blur and I blinked and I realised I was on day 13. I went on to finish and I can't quite believe it, it's not properly sunk in yet."There were points where I looked to my incredible support team and said to them that I don't know if I can do this."But you do dig deep and find it from somewhere and just to remember why I'm doing it. I laughed more than I cried, so that's a win."Dr Pragnell has so far raised more than £7,000 for Sarcoma UK.
Reuters
26-03-2025
- Business
- Reuters
New Zealand look to build legacy from All Whites' return to World Cup
March 26 (Reuters) - New Zealand will look to invest its World Cup windfall in talent development to ensure the All Whites' return to the global stage is sustainable, the nation's soccer chief Andrew Pragnell said. The nation missed out on the last three men's World Cups but the team booked their ticket to the 2026 finals in North America on Monday with victory over New Caledonia in the final of Oceania qualifying. here. FIFA have not confirmed prize money for 2026 but teams that qualified for Qatar 2022 and were eliminated from the group stage earned $10.5 million, including $1.5 million to cover preparation costs. The money can make a big difference in small soccer nations like New Zealand, which has only two professional teams and a sports market dominated by rugby. Around 40% of New Zealand's World Cup windfall will go to the players under an agreement with the nation's players union, while much of the rest will be ploughed into grass-roots and talent pathways, said Pragnell. "It wasn't a boom-or-bust situation if we didn't make it but there is a lot of pressure to keep resourcing the game at all levels," Pragnell told Reuters. "(Qualification) enables us to continue to do that, to continue to develop the talent and refine player pathways. It is critical for the growth to be sustainable." While the All Whites have a modest world ranking of 89, the local game enjoyed a boost from co-hosting the Women's World Cup with Australia in 2023 and the momentum has continued with the addition of Auckland FC to the A-League. Owned by American billionaire Bill Foley, Auckland FC are top of the table in their first season with seven rounds left before the playoffs. Strong match-day attendances at Auckland's home Mount Smart Stadium have put to bed concerns that the market might not support a second professional team in New Zealand along with Wellington Phoenix. Auckland FC will enter a team in the A-League Women 2025/26 season, providing another pathway to professional football for New Zealand's female talent. Pragnell said NZF would soon announce details of a legacy fund from the Women's World Cup. "We will be managing it carefully to invest back into the game. It's critical we use all our assets," he added. The All Whites' buildup to their third appearance at a World Cup next year is likely to keep the ball rolling for fan engagement. New Zealand's qualification for their last World Cup at the 2010 finals in South Africa triggered celebrations across the country as Ricki Herbert's team won an intercontinental playoff against Bahrain, ending a 28-year absence from the global event. The nation rallied around the team as they held Italy, Slovakia and Paraguay to three draws and exited the group stage with acclaim. The Chris Wood-captained All Whites can expect the same attention as they look to reach the knockout rounds for the first time at the expanded, 48-team World Cup co-hosted by the United States, Canada and Mexico. With Nottingham Forest forward Wood starring in the Premier League with 18 goals and players performing in other European leagues, fans are right to be excited, said Pragnell. "I think it is a time to raise our expectations," he said.
