Latest news with #SarahRuggins
BBC News
24-05-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Gloucestershire in pics: Lamprey pies and a record-breaking ride
Local traditions, local scenery and local success - it's been another beautiful week in Gloucestershire. The ongoing tradition of the Lamprey pie being presented to the King continued, but with a twist this year. A few raindrops this week, but nothing to dampen the spirit of a local record breaker - whose story inspired people not just in Gloucestershire but around the UK. Fabulous Framilode: A stunning start to the week with Abstract Emotion sending this setting through to our Weather Watchers page. The clear blue sky reflecting off the river is a beautiful example of those hidden, beautiful corners of the county. A taste of Highgrove: Here we can see RHS President Keith Weed and King Charles III, patron of the Royal Horticultural Society, looking around the Highgrove stand during a visit to the RHS Chelsea Flower Show in London. Inspirational stories: A woman who lost the ability to walk as a teenager has broken the world record for cycling the length of the UK and Ruggins, from Gloucestershire, was diagnosed with a rare neurological condition called complex regional pain syndrome, which also meant she lost her ability to move her hands without cycled 1,677 miles (2,700 km) from John O'Groats to Land's End and back again in five days, 11 hours and 14 minutes. Beauty in the rain: A bit of a drizzly week in between some sunshine in Gloucestershire this week - but that doesn't stop our weather watchers. This was a firm favourite for us this week as the raindrops look so beautiful despite the grey skies. Pie anyone? Lamprey pie is made from sea lampreys which were a delicacy for the wealthy in medieval England. The pies were often given as gifts to royalty as a means of seeking favour. It then became a tradition for the city of Gloucester to give the monarch a lamprey pie. This year though, there's a twist, after local sculptor Deborah Harrison made a permanent fixture for Highgrove with this stone lamprey pie to celebrate the King's coronation. Stunning captures: We spotted this photo and instantly loved it. The colours are just gorgeous, and Tewkesbury Abbey looks amazing with that backdrop.
BBC News
20-05-2025
- Sport
- BBC News
Woman breaks Land's End to John O'Groats and back record
A woman who lost her ability to walk as a teenager has broken the world record for cycling the length of the UK and Ruggins, from Gloucestershire, was diagnosed with a rare neurological condition called complex regional pain syndrome, which also meant she lost her ability to move her hands without Ruggins has now broken the record by cycling 1,677 miles (2,700 km) from John O'Groats in Scotland to Land's End in England, and back again in five days, 11 hours and 14 minutes."This ride was a celebration of life and it was a gift to myself and hopefully a gift to others who need motivation," she said. Ms Ruggins' ride beat the men's record of five days 18 hours three minutes, held by James MacDonald since 2017 - by six hours and 43 also beat the former women's record of 10 days and five hours - held by Louise Harris since 2023 - by four days 17 hours and 40 said: "It's taught me to believe in myself, and it's taught me that women have a place in the upper echelons of sports - not just as women, but across all genders."I'm one of the first women to break a men's endurance record. So it shows that we can take up space in the sport, and we need to be taken seriously." The 37-year-old grew up in Montreal in Canada but moved to the UK 10 years said she was a promising track athlete as a teenager and had ambitions of representing Canada in the Olympics, but was hit by the rare condition aged 16."My Olympic dream and everything I thought my life was going to be basically just evaporated overnight, and it took many years of rehabilitation to get my movement back," she said."I started exploring athletics again, but I found with my new body I couldn't really run so I turned to cycling." After moving to the UK, she initially began training to break the Land's End to John O'Groats running record - but instead chose to take the challenge on on a covered 500km (310 miles) a day surviving on just over four hours of sleep throughout the ride."I really wanted to make an impact and use my story to help others," she said."For me, even when the ride got really painful, it was a celebration, because it was my choice to do this, coming at it from a place of strength."I just really wanted to share through this project that your life can change unexpectedly but it means you just need to pivot and find something new that brings you joy."She used the record attempt to raise money for The Bike Project and Bikes for Refugees, generating more than £17,600.
Glasgow Times
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Cyclist with rare condition breaks record for cycling length of UK and back
Sarah Ruggins, a Canadian wealth manager living in Gloucestershire, cycled 2,700 km (1,677 miles) from John O'Groats to Land's End and back again in five days 11 hours and 14 minutes. The 37-year-old, who started cycling only two and a half years ago, covered 500km (310 miles) a day surviving on just over four hours of sleep throughout the entire challenge. Sarah Ruggins cycled 2,700 km from John O'Groats to Land's End and back again (James Busby/PA) Ms Ruggins' astounding cycle has beaten the men's record of five days 18 hours three minutes, held by James MacDonald since 2017 – by six hours and 43 minutes. She has also beaten the former women's record of 10 days and five hours – held by Louise Harris since 2023 – by four days 17 hours and 40 minutes. 'This ride was a celebration of life and it was a gift to myself and hopefully a gift to others who need motivation,' Ms Ruggins told the PA news agency. 'It's taught me to believe in myself, and it's taught me that women have a place in the upper echelons of sports, not just as women, but across all genders. 'I'm one of the first women to break a men's endurance record. So it shows that we can take up space in the sport, and we need to be taken seriously.' Sarah Ruggins covered 500km a day in her John O'Groats to Land's End challenge (James Busby/PA) Ms Ruggins, who grew up in Montreal in Canada, was a promising track athlete as a teenager and had ambitions of representing Canada in the Olympics. However, at 16 years old her dreams were cut short after she was diagnosed with a rare neurological condition called complex regional pain syndrome, which caused her to lose the ability to walk and move her hands without support. 'My Olympic dream and everything I thought my life was going to be basically just evaporated overnight, and it took many years of rehabilitation to get my movement back,' said Ms Ruggins. 'I started exploring athletics again, but I found with my new body I couldn't really run so I turned to cycling.' Ms Ruggins, who moved to the UK 10 years ago, initially began training to break the Land's End to John O'Groats running record. However, after discovering that her body was not strong enough to run after her illness she decided to attempt it with two wheels instead. In 2023, she purchased her first bicycle and with under six months of cycling experience, she took on the Transcontinental Race – a self-supported 4,000 km (2,485 miles) ride across Europe. Ms Ruggins, who discovered her talent for endurance sports, said the John O'Groats to Land's End challenge allowed her to confront her two greatest fears: failing publicly and requiring the help of others. 'I really wanted to make an impact and use my story to help others,' she said. 'For me, even when the ride got really painful, it was a celebration, because it was my choice to do this, coming at it from a place of strength. 'I just really wanted to share through this project that your life can change unexpectedly but it means you just need to pivot and find something new that brings you joy.' Ms Ruggins used this record attempt to raise money for The Bike Project and Bikes for Refugees, two organisations that use cycling to support people rebuilding their lives in the UK. To learn more about Ms Ruggins' challenge and to donate to her fundraiser please visit:
Western Telegraph
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Western Telegraph
Cyclist with rare condition breaks record for cycling length of UK and back
Sarah Ruggins, a Canadian wealth manager living in Gloucestershire, cycled 2,700 km (1,677 miles) from John O'Groats to Land's End and back again in five days 11 hours and 14 minutes. The 37-year-old, who started cycling only two and a half years ago, covered 500km (310 miles) a day surviving on just over four hours of sleep throughout the entire challenge. Sarah Ruggins cycled 2,700 km from John O'Groats to Land's End and back again (James Busby/PA) Ms Ruggins' astounding cycle has beaten the men's record of five days 18 hours three minutes, held by James MacDonald since 2017 – by six hours and 43 minutes. She has also beaten the former women's record of 10 days and five hours – held by Louise Harris since 2023 – by four days 17 hours and 40 minutes. 'This ride was a celebration of life and it was a gift to myself and hopefully a gift to others who need motivation,' Ms Ruggins told the PA news agency. 'It's taught me to believe in myself, and it's taught me that women have a place in the upper echelons of sports, not just as women, but across all genders. 'I'm one of the first women to break a men's endurance record. So it shows that we can take up space in the sport, and we need to be taken seriously.' Sarah Ruggins covered 500km a day in her John O'Groats to Land's End challenge (James Busby/PA) Ms Ruggins, who grew up in Montreal in Canada, was a promising track athlete as a teenager and had ambitions of representing Canada in the Olympics. However, at 16 years old her dreams were cut short after she was diagnosed with a rare neurological condition called complex regional pain syndrome, which caused her to lose the ability to walk and move her hands without support. 'My Olympic dream and everything I thought my life was going to be basically just evaporated overnight, and it took many years of rehabilitation to get my movement back,' said Ms Ruggins. 'I started exploring athletics again, but I found with my new body I couldn't really run so I turned to cycling.' Ms Ruggins, who moved to the UK 10 years ago, initially began training to break the Land's End to John O'Groats running record. However, after discovering that her body was not strong enough to run after her illness she decided to attempt it with two wheels instead. In 2023, she purchased her first bicycle and with under six months of cycling experience, she took on the Transcontinental Race – a self-supported 4,000 km (2,485 miles) ride across Europe. Ms Ruggins, who discovered her talent for endurance sports, said the John O'Groats to Land's End challenge allowed her to confront her two greatest fears: failing publicly and requiring the help of others. 'I really wanted to make an impact and use my story to help others,' she said. 'For me, even when the ride got really painful, it was a celebration, because it was my choice to do this, coming at it from a place of strength. 'I just really wanted to share through this project that your life can change unexpectedly but it means you just need to pivot and find something new that brings you joy.' Ms Ruggins used this record attempt to raise money for The Bike Project and Bikes for Refugees, two organisations that use cycling to support people rebuilding their lives in the UK. To learn more about Ms Ruggins' challenge and to donate to her fundraiser please visit:
Powys County Times
20-05-2025
- Sport
- Powys County Times
Cyclist with rare condition breaks record for cycling length of UK and back
A cyclist who lost her ability to walk as a teenager after being diagnosed with a debilitating illness has broken the world record for cycling the length of the UK and back. Sarah Ruggins, a Canadian wealth manager living in Gloucestershire, cycled 2,700 km (1,677 miles) from John O'Groats to Land's End and back again in five days 11 hours and 14 minutes. The 37-year-old, who started cycling only two and a half years ago, covered 500km (310 miles) a day surviving on just over four hours of sleep throughout the entire challenge. Ms Ruggins' astounding cycle has beaten the men's record of five days 18 hours three minutes, held by James MacDonald since 2017 – by six hours and 43 minutes. She has also beaten the former women's record of 10 days and five hours – held by Louise Harris since 2023 – by four days 17 hours and 40 minutes. 'This ride was a celebration of life and it was a gift to myself and hopefully a gift to others who need motivation,' Ms Ruggins told the PA news agency. 'It's taught me to believe in myself, and it's taught me that women have a place in the upper echelons of sports, not just as women, but across all genders. 'I'm one of the first women to break a men's endurance record. So it shows that we can take up space in the sport, and we need to be taken seriously.' Ms Ruggins, who grew up in Montreal in Canada, was a promising track athlete as a teenager and had ambitions of representing Canada in the Olympics. However, at 16 years old her dreams were cut short after she was diagnosed with a rare neurological condition called complex regional pain syndrome, which caused her to lose the ability to walk and move her hands without support. 'My Olympic dream and everything I thought my life was going to be basically just evaporated overnight, and it took many years of rehabilitation to get my movement back,' said Ms Ruggins. 'I started exploring athletics again, but I found with my new body I couldn't really run so I turned to cycling.' Ms Ruggins, who moved to the UK 10 years ago, initially began training to break the Land's End to John O'Groats running record. However, after discovering that her body was not strong enough to run after her illness she decided to attempt it with two wheels instead. In 2023, she purchased her first bicycle and with under six months of cycling experience, she took on the Transcontinental Race – a self-supported 4,000 km (2,485 miles) ride across Europe. Ms Ruggins, who discovered her talent for endurance sports, said the John O'Groats to Land's End challenge allowed her to confront her two greatest fears: failing publicly and requiring the help of others. 'I really wanted to make an impact and use my story to help others,' she said. 'For me, even when the ride got really painful, it was a celebration, because it was my choice to do this, coming at it from a place of strength. 'I just really wanted to share through this project that your life can change unexpectedly but it means you just need to pivot and find something new that brings you joy.' Ms Ruggins used this record attempt to raise money for The Bike Project and Bikes for Refugees, two organisations that use cycling to support people rebuilding their lives in the UK.
