Latest news with #WestHighlandWay
Daily Record
5 days ago
- Sport
- Daily Record
Irvine ultra runner sets new world record for completing the double West Highland Way
Scott Brown completed the iconic route in 44 hours and 40 minutes, beating the previous record by over 21 hours. Irvine gym owner and personal trainer, Scott Brown, has set a new world record completing the iconic West Highland Way run in 44 hours and 40 minutes. The ultra runner smashed the previous fastest known time set by Keith Hughes in June 2016 by a whopping 21 hours and 35 minutes. Despite a heatwave, Scott, 43, set off from Milngavie on Friday, July 11 at 4pm. He reached Fort William around lunchtime on Saturday, July 12. The journey took him 19 hours, 45 minutes. Scott then returned to Milngavie early on Sunday, July 13. Scott's goal was never to beat the record but he says it was "an icing on the cake". He said: "It was never my goal to beat the record, it was about completing this challenge but I think it is just nice to have it." Scott ran the annual West Highland Way Race in 2019, where he finished in sixth place after completing halfway in 17 hours, 53 minutes and 50 seconds. It was Scott's friend, Chris Saunderson, who inspired him to run the double West Highland Way this time. Scott said: "Chris once said something like 'could you imagine running there and back as a challenge'. "And I thought it might be a good idea. This was four years ago, and I had a thought since, that one day, I would do this." He added: "I had a few races that I had pencilled in and wanted to do like the Spine and the Race Across Scotland but slowly the idea of the double West Highland Way started to take centre stage. "This year, I just thought, you know what, I am going to do this challenge. I went back to Chris and asked if he would support me. I knew that he would do the road support for my challenge and he did." Although Scott initially planned to stop during his 192-mile journey and get some rest and sleep, he decided to keep going and run through two nights. He said: "I had no sleep at all from start to finish, so that became a challenge on the second night when I was halfway through. "I was going through the woods and the progress had been a wee bit slow because I was running through terrain. I was getting a bit sleepy and started to switch a little bit. "I was looking forward to daylight. I think sleep deprivation was tough. "I started coming back down and I thought 'you know what, I think I can go the full day without a sleep', so I decided to keep going. If you count the time when I woke up on Friday until the time when I went to sleep, I was awake for more than 55 hours." The third heatwave of the year hit parts of the UK during Scott's challenge, who says the "toughest challenge" was to run in over 30 degrees, with no wind. He added: "Everyone keeps saying that the hardest part is getting to Fort William and then coming back. But actually, that was one of the most rewarding parts. When I got to the halfway point, I knew every step that I took after that. "It also felt like an accomplishment to complete halfway in under 20 hours." He said: "But I think the biggest part was seeing my wife Kerri and daughter Dakota at every checkpoint. My wife also joined me for the last four miles so I really loved that." During the challenge, Scott was joined not only by his wife Kerri but by his clients, people that he coached and trained. Previous record holder Keith also came to support Scott and joined at Blanefield when there was around 10-miles to go. "It was really nice because some people would bring me some extra water, some would give me a bit of morale", he said. When Scott reached the finish line with Keri by his side, their two daughters Cora and Dakota were there along with family, friends and clients. Scott dedicated the record run to the late John Kynaston, who was a former committee member of the West Highland Way Race and a much-loved friend of many ultra runners. John was an inspiration to many over the years, including Scott when he first started his running journey in 2019. Scott said: "John was inspiring. When I did my first West Highland Way Race in 2019, John was talking on social media about the route. It was just very helpful to runners starting up. He was giving a lot of tips and how to prepare for it. He was just a really nice guy and he gave a lot back to the running community." John passed away in 2020 and funds were raised to replace a bridge on the West Highland Way trail in his memory. It was a special moment for Scott when he stopped at The John Kynaston Bridge in Glen Falloch, near Derrydarroch Farm, on the return journey. He said: "I want to think that John helped me along the way, because it was such a tough challenge. I hope he guided me and showed me the way." As part of the challenge, Scott also set up a fundraiser for Circle Scotland, a charity that works with families facing multiple disadvantages because of structural inequality, poverty, drug and alcohol use, imprisonment, physical or mental health, trauma, abuse, and loss. With help from the community, family and friends, Scott raised over £4,000. He said: "I am very grateful. I couldn't believe the amount of support I got. "And I am very grateful for the donations, it just shows the power of the community. You don't get over £4,000 without people getting behind you. "People all over Scotland are contacting me, wishing me well, congratulating me. It feels nice. "I just want to say thank you to everyone who helped to sponsor me and got behind me." To help Scott with his fundraiser, please visit here.
Leader Live
12-07-2025
- General
- Leader Live
Denbighshire woman raises thousands for Air Ambulance
Joanna Lightfoot, 48, from Llanarmon-yn-Iâl, completed the West Highland Way in memory of her husband Jim, who died 14 years ago from a heart attack while at work. She raised £2,445 for the charity that attended the scene on the day Jim died. Mrs Lightfoot said: "Sadly, they could not save Jim, but I know the Wales Air Ambulance did everything they possibly could. "For this reason, I decided to walk in memory of Jim and use this opportunity to fundraise for this wonderful charity." She took on the 96-mile trek through the Scottish Highlands alongside friends from her gym, covering around 20 miles each day. The walk began on the anniversary of her husband's death. Mrs Lightfoot said: "Emotions on the first day were mixed. "I was nervous and anxious as to whether I would manage it or not. "Day one was also the 14-year anniversary of Jim's death, so he was very much at the forefront of my mind, spurring me on with every step." She described the challenge as physically and emotionally demanding, particularly on day two when the group faced more than 20 miles of difficult terrain. Mrs Lightfoot said: "We finally made it to our accommodation at 10.45pm and had to be up and out again at 7am the next morning. "When I completed the walk on day five, I cried many happy tears. "I was overwhelmed with emotion." Joanna Lightfoot (Image: Supplied) Her husband Jim ran his own garage repairing mainly HGVs, and 'adored' their daughter Jodie, who was just five years old when he died. Wales Air Ambulance requires £11.2 million each year to operate its helicopters and rapid response vehicles across the country. The service is consultant-led and delivers advanced critical care at the scene, including anaesthesia, blood transfusions, and minor surgical procedures. Debra Sima, regional fundraising manager for Wales Air Ambulance, said: "It is always heartwarming to hear of families that fundraise for the Wales Air Ambulance after losing a loved one. "Sadly, Jim unfortunately could not be saved following his heart attack. "Joanna set herself the huge challenge of walking the Scottish West Highland Way over five days. "She did that with the support of her friends and raised an amazing amount for the Wales Air Ambulance. "We're extremely grateful for your support and it was a lovely way to remember Jim 14 years on." Mrs Lightfoot, who works in accounts for a construction company, said she was 'delighted' to raise funds for the charity and thanked everyone who donated in her husband's memory.
Daily Record
01-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Transgender ambulance driver to scale Ben Nevis after conquering 60 years of gender dysphoria
The gruelling charity trek will signify a remarkable milestone in the Scottish Ambulance worker's life after successfully transitioning from a man into a woman. A Scots transgender ambulance driver has told how a bucket list climb up Ben Nevis will be symbolic after conquering her own personal mountain to live happily as a woman. Michelle Williams, 63, has pledged to scale Scotland's highest mountain on September 13 to help fund research for Macmillan Cancer Support. The gruelling charity trek will signify a remarkable milestone in the Scottish Ambulance worker's life after conquering 60 years of gender dysphoria to successfully transition from a man into a woman. Living for six decades as John, struggles with gender, identity and depression nearly proved fatal following two suicide attempts. But after opening up about his mental health battle and speaking to a psychiatrist during the Covid lockdown, John was diagnosed with gender dysphoria which gave him the courage to take the first step in his journey towards transitioning. 'When I was 60 I did the West Highland Way and my bucket list was to do Ben Nevis', said Michelle. 'I climbed my own personal mountain by getting a sex change and living my life full-time as Michelle, now I would like to climb Ben Nevis to raise money for this amazing charity.' Michelle, from East Kilbride, has been a blue light driver for the Scottish Ambulance Service (SAS) for 17 years. But before the Covid pandemic, Michelle was known to her colleagues by her birth name, John. 'I've done this quite late in life', she explained. 'Round about 2020, I decided to be Michelle full-time. I'd been in the ambulance service 12 years and everybody knew me as John. The thought of going back to work full-time as Michelle was quite frightening. 'I thought people would either be for it or totally against it, but it was more in between - as in people didn't really care, which was even better. 'You don't want preferential treatment and you don't want abuse. 'I obviously get looks every day because I'm going into hospitals, but nothing more than that.' Told it would take years to go through the NHS before being able to make the transition to Michelle, John decided to go private and spent £10,000 to fly to Thailand for gender reassignment surgery in November, 2022. And Michelle is now living her best life with the backing of her colleagues at Coatbridge Ambulance Station. She added: 'Five years on I'm still on the waiting list for the Sandyford Clinic and was told it could take another couple of years, so I'd still have been John at 65 if I waited on the NHS. 'I decided to pay for my own sex change - it's been a challenging journey. 'More or less when I started primary school and started mixing with boys and girls, I knew something was not right. 'This was 1967, there was no such thing as social media and no such thing as transgenders. 'I just thought something was wrong with me and that carried on through my teenage years into adulthood.' Feeling he needed to 'man up' a bit more, after leaving school John joined the RAF and bulked up through weight training - even getting tattoos to appear more masculine. He married his late wife and had four children before she passed away, aged 44, in 2011. 'I then had one of those lightbulb moments when I attended an event and heard about transgender people and realised 'that must be me'', said Michelle. From that moment on John would go out socialising in Glasgow on weekends as Michelle, but booked overnight stays in hotels to avoid the 'frightening' prospect of travelling on public transport dressed as a woman. Michelle said: 'I went to a pub that was very accepting of this type of thing and went back and stayed the night in a hotel and returned home as John. 'But I had the high of going out as myself, as Michelle, and afterwards you come crashing down to earth. When you're doing that time and time again, it plays with your mind and I had depression. 'I knew I couldn't go on like this because one of these days I might be successful and actually kill myself. 'When the feelings got stronger and stronger, I realised I didn't want to keep changing and go back to work on Monday as John. 'So in 2020 during the pandemic that's when I thought, 'you only get one life', and I just decided that's it, I'm going to do it. 'I saw a psychiatrist and got diagnosed with gender dysphoria then spoke to my bosses - who were fine - and took six months off after the operation in Thailand and went back - and, overall, I've had a positive reaction.' Michelle is now determined to use her story to inspire others while raising awareness and funds for cancer research after being touched by many families affected by the disease through her work. Ahead of the Ben Nevis climb in September, an 80s and 90s-themed fundraiser will be held at Greenhills Bar in East Kilbride on Sunday, August 24, to help boost funds with all ticket sales going directly to the charity. She added: 'It's taken me 60 years to live the life I want to live. I hope by sharing my story I can inspire other people like me to be happy.' Make a donation to the fundraiser here.
Daily Record
24-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
West Lothian dad wins Father's Day makeover after heartfelt nomination by son
George Ross, from Livingston, was nominated by his 13-year-old son Harrison who calls him 'super dad'. A West Lothian dad won a Father's Day makeover worth over £800, courtesy of The Centre, Livingston following a heart-felt nomination by his son. George Ross, from Livingston, was nominated by his 13-year-old son Harrison who calls him 'super dad'. Every year the shopping centre is inundated with nominations, always making it difficult for the management team to choose a winner. However, this year Harrison's story really stood out as he talked very highly about his dad's career in the Armed Forces for 22 years, the work he currently does supporting the Armed Forces, emergency services and veterans including their families who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder with the charity, Who Dares Cares. Harrison highlighted 'not only is he a fantastic dad, he's also a great role model'. He also said this special makeover would be the perfect way to thank him for taking him to football games in Aberdeen, which is his favourite team, and for spending lots of time with him hill walking. Both George and Harrison recently climbed Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike, Snowdon and completed the West Highland Way for Who Dares Cares, raising over £1,000. George's wife Katherine and his son joined him on his makeover and pampering day which included a personal shopping experience with local stylist Leigh Maybury, a £150 Gift Card and treats from Hotel Chocolate from the shopping centre and lots of gifts from a selection of retailers. Suit Direct also gifted George with a £100 Gift Card to spend on their casual wear range – this was an easy shop for him as he immediately liked the 'shacket' and also picked up two smart t-shirts to alternate with it. With two very special events coming up, the Royal Garden Party on July 1 and a charity event in November, he decided to spend his Gift Card from the shopping centre on a stunning three-piece Antique Rogue suit, with the help of Leigh, getting a warm seal of approval from his son. Next up was a visit to the stores who treated him with various gifts, including Rituals who presented him with a Homme gift set and pampered him with a hand and arm massage, a Father's Day gift box from Lush, an M&S goodie bag which included a baseball cap and a bottle of '1 Million' Eau de Toilette by Rabanne from The Fragrance Shop. His prize also included a skin consultation, and lots of gifts from Boots including moisturiser and serum from their No7 range and Giorgio Armani Acqua di Gio aftershave, and lastly, which made his day, was a bag of goodies from his favourite store, MenKind. The special day culminated with a complimentary family lunch, gifted by Las Iguanas, where they enjoyed chicken fajitas and burgers. Tess Sundberg, Marketing Manager at The Centre, Livingston, said: 'It was lovely to welcome George and his family into The Centre, Livingston to receive his makeover and pampering prize, which he is very deserving of. 'With the help of Leigh and his family, we're delighted he managed to find a lovely outfit to wear to the Royal Garden Party. 'Thanks to all of the retailers who took part in the competition and helped make it a day to remember for him.' George added: 'The Father's Day makeover was a very special day that I'll remember forever. I'd like to thank my son for nominating me and all the staff from The Centre, Livingston who made it such a wonderful day.'
Glasgow Times
18-06-2025
- Sport
- Glasgow Times
Glasgow dad running West Highland Way in memory of son
The 38-year-old dad originally from Yoker will run the West Highland Way nonstop in memory of his stillborn son Marco, who would have been 10 this year. He's competing in the West Highland Way Race, one of the world's longest-established ultra-marathons, first held in 1985. It'll see him battle rough terrain and rise over 14,000 feet as he attempts to run the long-distance trail between Milngavie (just north of Glasgow) and Fort William in the Scottish Highlands. Mark will set off at 1am this Saturday, June 21, alongside 300 other rave ultra runners. Mark says he'll crawl across the line if he has to (Image: Gordon Terris) READ MORE: 8 of the best decorated cabs at Glasgow Taxi Outing Fund day out to Troon Mark is running the race to raise money for The Stillbirth and Neonatal Death Charity (Sands), a cause close to his heart. He said: "Unfortunately, 10 years ago, we lost our first son Marco. "On his due date, so full term, and Sands are such a great charity. "I'm trying to spread awareness of what they do, which is the reason behind everything I've been doing. "Over the last 10 years, I've just passed the £25,000 mark raised for Sands and Marco's memory." His previous challenges include running three laps of a Tough Mudder course, so he's no stranger to pushing himself. Mark, who now lives in Kelvindale, last attempted the route solo in 2023, but had to stop at the 71-mile mark due to an injury. He explained: "In 2023, I attempted the West Highland Way solo. "I sprained my ankle 67 miles in and had to hobble 71 miles to get collected. "I'd raised some more money for charity, just over £10,000 I raised that time." "That put me at a really low point because obviously I'd failed in my challenge. "But everybody reminded me, 'Well, you've not failed because your ultimate goal was to spread awareness and raise money for a charity, which you did.' "When I get to Glen Coe and leave Glen Coe, that'll be me going into uncharted territory because that's 71 miles in. "That's the furthest I've ever been before on a single run. "I think then I'll start believing at that point that it's there, the finish line's there. "I'm just looking forward to seeing the family at the end. That's what it's going to be all about." READ MORE: 'Goodbye for now': Popular West End pub announces temporary closure Mark hopes to cross the finish line in a time of around 25 hours, with a cut off on the race of 35 hours, to which he told me with a determined stare, "If I need to crawl to the finishing line, I'll be making it to the finish line. His family has been heavily involved in his training. He's been running with his sons Tino, Vito, Enzo, and Remo, and has had support from his wife Lisa. Mark said: "It's a point to prove, my family's invested a lot of time into this. "A training week for me is maybe 10 to 15 hours worth of actual running time. "I want to prove to everybody that I can manage this and repay people's generosity." (Image: Gordon Terris) READ MORE: 'Glasgow deserves better': Heritage groups slam approval of O2 ABC site plans Mark's focus, in addition to raising money for the charity, is to spread awareness and encourage people to open up about the 'taboo' subject. He said: "I've spoken to a lot of people over the years, and you often run into this kind of thing in everyday conversations – someone says, 'Oh, how many kids have you got?' and I'll say, 'I've got five boys – one of them passed away.' It can become quite a conversation killer." "People don't know what to say to other people when it's happened to them. Even when it happened to us. When we lost Marco, nobody knew what to say... "The one thing I wanted to know was that people are there, talking about it and saying my son's name. "People who have lost a child need to know they've still had a child, they're still a mom, they're still a dad. And that's really one of the focuses of my story and my mission." READ MORE: Council speaks out over primary school's union flag letter Mark will have a support crew of family and friends, and his 'partner in crime', best friend Ryan, will join him for some miles later in the race as a boost. Mark's employer, Brikability, is matching donations up to £3,000, which will massively boost his fundraising efforts. Most of the funding to the charity will go towards supporting parents and counselling groups, as well as memory boxes for families who have lost their baby. You can read more about Mark's efforts and donate at
