Care & Repair Edinburgh, part of the Age Scotland family, is launching a home assessment service to help older people and those living with disabilities live as safely and comfortably as possible in their own homes.
The new service includes a free room-by-room home assessment by the charity’s Independent Living Adviser (above), who will create a report of recommendations for improvements in safety, accessibility and comfort.
Typical recommendations may include replacing faulty electrical items, fixing door thresholds, removing frayed rugs or other trip hazards, draught-proofing wooden windows and doors, and improving accessibility through the installation of handrails, ramps and key safes.
Following the home assessment, a full report will be available to allow clients to review any recommendations and discuss with family members. Care & Repair Edinburgh may also be able to carry out some of the work client wishes to progress, either free of charge where eligible or at a subsidised rate for larger repairs and installations.
Allison Strachan, Head of Care & Repair Edinburgh, said: “Although lockdown measures are easing gradually, people are still spending large amounts of time at home and therefore it is very important that the home environment is as safe, comfortable and accessible as possible.
“This new service will allow older people and those living with disabilities in Edinburgh to continue to live safely and comfortably in their own homes for as long as they want and are able.
“Arranging a free home assessment can offer much-needed peace of mind and we would encourage eligible Edinburgh residents to get in touch to find out how Care & Repair Edinburgh can assist them.”
Our new free home assessment service has been researched with @ROSPA, @policescotland & @fire_scot and includes a room by room assessment and recommendations to improve safety, accessibility and comfort at home.
— Care&RepairEdinburgh (@carerepairedin) June 9, 2021
The free home assessment service has been researched in collaboration with the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA), Police Scotland and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service, and is possible thanks to generous funding from Bank of Scotland Foundation, Garfield Weston Foundation and Greenshoots Fund.
Bookings will be taken from Monday 14 June onwards, with the first appointments for home assessments available from Monday 19th July.
To arrange your free assessment, please contact Care & Repair Edinburgh on 0131 3371111 or visit www.crew.scot for more information.
The winner of Aldi’s Supermarket Sweep in Livingston has raised an amazing £698.36 for a local foodbank while picking up the same value in Aldi favourites for herself.
After a year hiatus, Aldi’s hugely popular Supermarket Sweep returned to Scotland and lucky shopper Lindsay Smith, who was chosen as the winner of an in-store competition, took part in the five-minute trolley dash for charity on Sunday 6th June.
As well as taking home a trolley full of goodies, Lindsay successfully found the three Scottish products on her shopping list so Aldi doubled the total value of her haul and donated the lump sum to her nominated charity, Polbeth Community Hub.
Aldi Supermarket Sweep winner, Lindsay Smith, said: “Aldi Supermarket Sweep was an amazing experience that I will never ever forget, all the staff were brilliant and I’d like to thank them all. I am particularly delighted with the amount they kindly donated to my nominated food bank, I feel so happy and proud to be able to give something back to such a great cause.
“Polbeth Community Hub is at the heart of our village and they pulled out all the stops during the pandemic, delivering food parcels to all those isolating or shielding, and continuing services like counselling and advice sessions online wherever they could.”
Jane Cooper, Community Development Worker from Polbeth Community Hub, said: “We are extremely grateful to both Lindsay and Aldi for the kind nomination and wonderful donation that will be put to great use helping the community during times of need.
“We appreciate the support of our local Aldi and the kindness shown in what has being a very trying year for all.”
Richard Holloway, Regional Managing Director for Scotland, said:“The Aldi Supermarket Sweep is a firm favourite across the country and we are so pleased to be able to bring it back after a year hiatus.
“Congratulations to Lindsay who managed to raise an incredible £698.36 for Polbeth Community Hub and take home a trolley full of Aldi goodies for herself.”
The Supermarket Sweep was run in line with current COVID-19 guidelines and all safety precautions, including social distancing, were adhered to.
With a fun disco theme, fantastic fundraisers turned out in force to Walk the Walk on the streets of Scotland and across the UK on Saturday 12th June, during the first ever Virtual MoonWalk Scotland!
Streets were awash with colourful psychedelic costumes, sparkle and glitter as these amazing walkers put on their boogie walking shoes and took on challenges between 6 and 52 miles in their own areas.
For the first time, The MoonWalk, organised by breast cancer charity Walk the Walk, took place during daylight. Walkers wearing the iconic Walk the Walk bra t-shirts, many with their decorated bras attached to their bumbags, raised an incredible amount of awareness in local communities as they were greeted on the streets by well-wishers!
All the men taking part wore a specially created Men Get Breast Cancer Too t-shirt, with a blue checked bra emblazoned on the front, playing their part ahead of Men’s Health Week.
Walk the Walk is about having fun, raising awareness and raising money. The event brought fun and laughter to thousands, as the walkers brightened up neighbourhoods.
Funds raised will be granted towards the mental and physical support of those living with cancer, to help where possible with the devastating impact that cancer patients have experienced throughout the pandemic.
Kate Brook from Tranent was diagnosed with breast cancer in August 2020 and completed the 13.1 mile Half Moon with Kate’s Dream Team, including her husband Matt and local friends.
Kate (back row, second from left) said: “The Western General Hospital in Edinburgh, where I continue to receive treatment, has benefitted from grants from Walk the Walk and many a time I have looked at their plaque in the waiting room and promised myself that, when I was better, I would be part of The MoonWalk again.
“Today has been amazing – it’s been a real focus for me during my treatment and it has not disappointed – super company, lovely scenery and lots of support from people along the way! We are all delighted to have raised so much money and awareness”.
Tricia Young from Edinburgh completed her 14th MoonWalk Scotland, walking the 26.2 mile Full Moon. She said:“It was so much fun taking part in the Virtual MoonWalk, I was delighted that this year’s event still happened.
“Since my sister sadly died from breast cancer in 2013, I’ve been really motivated by her memory and the fact that we need to keep on raising awareness of breast cancer. I was walking on my own, but it was wonderful to bump into several other MoonWalkers on the streets of Edinburgh.
“The kindness of local people was so touching – one lady in Portobello even offered me the use of her toilet! I am thrilled to raise so much money too for such a deserving cause, I’ll keep on taking part as long as I can”.
Nina Barough CBE, Founder and Chief Executive of Walk the Walk said: “Whilst we would just love to be at Holyrood Park, hugging our intrepid challengers as they cross the Finish Line, it was not to be this year.
“It is incredibly positive that our first Virtual MoonWalk Scotland has encouraged Walkers and fundraisers across Scotland to take part, as well as people from across the length and breadth of the UK, and indeed countries across the world.
“Well-wishers and supporters on the streets of local communities have been incredibly generous, with much needed fundraising for those living with cancer.
“For many, the focus of training, and preparing for this day, has been an absolute life saver. Once again regular walking has proven to be a lifeline for mental and physical well-being during the ongoing uncertainty of Covid.
“We thank all our fundraisers for raising much needed funds and look forward to being back at Holyrood next year with a live MoonWalk Scotland”!
To register your interest for The MoonWalk Scotland 2022, go to:
Development managers Bankfoot APAM have announced a consultation on plans to transform The Gyle shopping centre into a new ‘town centre’.The proposals are a radical departure from previous plans to extend the centre.
The Gyle was originally opened in 1993 after an investment of £68million. It quickly became one of the most successful shopping destinations in the east of Scotland and was extended soon after.
Previous owners had brought forward plans for small extensions for new retail units and a cinema, but these were rejected last year by the City Council.
Options now include a fully refreshed and enhanced retail offer, major new housing and office space on a site that has some of the best public transport links in Scotland and in an area (west Edinburgh) where up to 18,000 new homes are already planned.
The concept is to create a new town centre where people will live, work, shop and enjoy their leisure time in one of the most sustainable communities in Scotland.
The initial ideas reflect the fact that whilst The Gyle was once at the fringe of Edinburgh, it is now at the heart of one of Scotland’s fastest growing residential and commercial districts.
The options being consulted on include:
A new community in which people can live, work, shop, rest and play within easy reach of the city centre and countryside
A renewed and revitalised retail offer with enhanced facilities for click and collect, home delivery and other services
New homes for families and professionals that bring people to live more closely to their jobs to encourage more public transport use, cycling, and walking
A new east/west ‘green link’ that provides better and safer walking and cycling facilities and new public green space
Improved access to the existing Tram, Bus and Rail services that run through and around The Gyle
Chris Moore, Managing Director at Bankfoot APAM, said: “When the Gyle was built it was a leading modern shopping destination. However, we are now looking at a new normal that is very different for shopping and living.
“The creation of a new urban city district will help transform the visitor experience and bring many more new residents, workers and customers to the shops and facilities.
“Increasingly people will travel by public transport and the facilities need to reflect that new normal. We have seen the changes that the new St James development in the city centre is making to people’s shopping experience and our aim is to deliver better and higher quality shopping, rather than just increasing floorspace. We have also studied the quality of the proposals for new homes and offices at the nearby Edinburgh Park.
“Edinburgh is changing, and west Edinburgh is changing faster than almost anywhere in Scotland and our plans must reflect sustainability issues and respond positively to those changes. Looking ahead we should consider how best to serve our customers and meet their growing concerns about the environment. A more balanced community is what is proving to work best.
“We will be consulting local residents and communities on our new vision in the near future, and we look forward to starting the regeneration and revitalisation of The Gyle in a way that makes it an even more special place for many more people. The Gyle can again be one of the finest shopping destinations in the country, but our ambition is to make it one of the finest places to live, work and play as well.”
The concept is to create a new town centre where people will live, work, shop and enjoy leisure time, all in one of the most sustainable communities in Scotland.
The plans also include a new east and west ‘green link’ for safer walking and cycling facilities, along with more public green space, as well as improved access to the tram, bus and rail services that run through and around The Gyle.
Which? is calling for greater protections for devastated victims of romance fraud, as new analysis from the consumer champion shows a dramatic spike in cases during the pandemic.
Dating without meeting in person has become the new normal in the last year, giving fraudsters new opportunities to take advantage of online daters.
Which? analysis of Action Fraud data shows romance fraud was up by 40 per cent in the year to April 2021, with over 7,500 reported scams.
Reported losses reached £73.9 million during this period but the true figure is likely to be much higher as many victims are too embarrassed or upset to tell the authorities.
Romance scams are a sophisticated type of fraud – with scammers preying on the emotional vulnerability of the victim and building trust with them before asking for money. Fraudsters often claim that they need the money to travel to the UK to build a life together.
Andrew (not his real name) was exchanging messages with a potential love interest on dating website ‘Older Dating Online’ in November 2019. After weeks of emails and telephone calls, plans were made to meet for the first time.
As the woman was supposedly based in Russia, she asked for £650 to obtain a passport. This was quickly followed by more requests – £3,000 to prove to Russian authorities that she had sufficient cash to visit the UK and funds to cover medical expenses for her father who had Covid-19.
In many cases, scammers are likely to be gangs of organised criminals looking to part people from their hard-earned cash.
He said: “I became suspicious and contacted my bank to report the scam, but the money couldn’t be recovered. I haven’t dated at all since the scam. I am not one who exudes confidence in that area and with Covid-19 rearing its ugly head, more traditional ways have not been possible.
“I didn’t report what happened on the website. Likely at the time for the reason I guessed it was my fault for being taken in, not their fault for being in existence.”
David, 65, (not his real name) was also cheated out of nearly £4,000 after meeting someone on Twitter. This scammer posed as a young woman, but David later discovered he was messaging a man in Nigeria.
David thought the money he sent was to pay for a flight ticket and a visa for her to come to the UK to live, marry him and settle down as a family. He said: “After I found out the truth, I was heartbroken and very upset.
“My emotions were all over the place finding it difficult to accept that I had been taken in. This is such a cruel thing to do to an elderly pensioner who wanted love but instead got fleeced by this evil corrupt man who has no shame in what he did to me and no doubt has done to many others.”
Twitter has since permanently suspended the scammer’s profile.
When online dating, consumers should always be on high alert for fraudsters using stolen photos – even in video calls.
One Which? member reported via the consumer champion’s Scam Watch inbox that she had a strange video call with someone she later discovered was using stolen video footage. She said: “How they did it I have no idea because I discovered those pictures were of a plastic surgeon in the USA. It worries me that some women will fall for it.”
To find out whether a photo is fake, consumers can use TinEye or Google Image Search to do a reverse image search. This tracks where else on the internet this photo exists to see if it could be a stock or stolen image.
The consumer champion’s findings raise serious questions about the legal responsibilities of online platforms and online sites to protect their users from fake and fraudulent content and potential scams.
The contingent reimbursement model code, in place since May 2019 and signed by the majority of banks, makes clear that victims of bank transfer scams should be reimbursed for their losses when they are not at fault.
Victims who, like Andrew, are convinced to transfer funds to non-UK accounts will not be covered by the code. Only transfers between UK accounts can benefit from the limited protection offered by the code. Under this code, 38% of all losses were returned to romance fraud victims in 2020, up from 6% in the six months before the code was introduced.
However, Which? is concerned that banks are applying the code inconsistently. While some firms reimburse the majority of APP fraud victims, others only reimburse around one in 10 – meaning that many victims face a lottery when it comes to getting their money back.
Customers in need of support when trying to recoup their losses often face a grilling over their actions from banks, compounding the devastating emotional impact of their ordeal.
The consumer champion is calling for the Payment Systems Regulator and government to establish mandatory standards of consumer protection to protect victims from the current unfair and inconsistent approach by industry. Banks should also be made to regularly publish their reimbursement rates to improve transparency.
Adam French, Which? Consumer Rights Expert, said: “Romance scams are particularly devastating for victims, who may be vulnerable when they are targeted by fraudsters – and it is very worrying to see such a huge rise in these scams as criminals look to exploit the pandemic.
“Where appropriate, banks and payment providers should be following the code they signed up to and reimbursing victims of scams that use sophisticated psychological tactics to trick victims into handing over their cash. Anyone who is struggling to get their money back from their bank should report this to the Financial Ombudsman Service to review their case.
“The voluntary code on scams has led to a reimbursement lottery for victims. It should be replaced with mandatory standards for protection and reimbursement and strong enforcement for firms that don’t follow the rules.”
G7 leaders expected to agree a series of measures to address the climate crisis and protect nature
G7 leaders to kick off new partnership on infrastructure investment today to propel global green economic growth, as they commit to increase international climate finance
UK launches £500m Blue Planet Fund to protect the ocean and marine biodiversity
Comes as the G7 is expected to endorse an ambitious Nature Compact to reverse biodiversity loss by 2030
Sir David Attenborough will address leaders on the importance of action to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees on the final day of the G7 Summit in Cornwall
G7 leaders are expected to agree plans today (Sunday) to transform the financing of infrastructure projects in developing countries, part of a raft of measures at the Summit to address the climate crisis and protect nature.
The ‘Build Back Better for the World’ plan will bring together G7 countries under the UK’s presidency to develop an offer for high quality financing for vital infrastructure, from railways in Africa to wind farms in Asia.
The new approach is intended to give developing countries access to more, better and faster finance, while accelerating the global shift to renewable energy and sustainable technology. The Government will build on this with other countries ahead of the COP26 Summit in November.
The Prime Minister has also launched the UK’s Blue Planet Fund from the G7 Summit’s ocean-side setting in Cornwall. The £500 million fund will support countries including Ghana, Indonesia and Pacific island states to tackle unsustainable fishing, protect and restore coastal ecosystems like mangroves and coral reefs, and reduce marine pollution.
The G7 will endorse a Nature Compact at this afternoon’s meeting to halt and reverse biodiversity loss by 2030 – including supporting the global target to conserve or protect at least 30 percent of land and 30 percent of ocean globally by the end of the decade.
The Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Protecting our planet is the most important thing we as leaders can do for our people. There is a direct relationship between reducing emissions, restoring nature, creating jobs and ensuring long-term economic growth.
“As democratic nations we have a responsibility to help developing countries reap the benefits of clean growth through a fair and transparent system. The G7 has an unprecedented opportunity to drive a global Green Industrial Revolution, with the potential to transform the way we live.”
The G7 are also expected to commit to almost halve their emissions by 2030 relative to 2010. The UK is already going even further, pledging to cut emissions by at least 68% by 2030 on 1990 levels (58% reduction on 2010 levels).
Leaders will set out the action they will take to slash carbon emissions, including measures like ending all unabated coal as soon as possible, ending almost all direct government support for the fossil fuel energy sector overseas and phasing out petrol and diesel cars.
Sir David Attenborough, renowned British environmentalist and the UK’s COP26 People’s Champion, will address the leaders of the G7 countries plus guests Australia, India, South Korea and South Africa at a session on Climate and Nature later today and urge them to take action as the world’s leading economies to secure the future of our planet.
Sir David Attenborough, Environmentalist and COP26 People’s Champion, said: “The natural world today is greatly diminished. That is undeniable. Our climate is warming fast. That is beyond doubt. Our societies and nations are unequal and that is sadly is plain to see.
“But the question science forces us to address specifically in 2021 is whether as a result of these intertwined facts we are on the verge of destabilising the entire planet?
“If that is so, then the decisions we make this decade – in particular the decisions made by the most economically advanced nations – are the most important in human history.”
In addition to taking action at home, G7 leaders will commit to increase their contributions to international climate finance to meet the target of mobilising $100bn a year, which will help developing countries deal with the impacts of climate change and support sustainable, green growth.
This is the first-ever net-zero G7, with all countries having committed to reach net zero emissions by 2050 at the latest with ambitious reductions targets in the 2020s. The Leaders’ Summit is an important stepping-stone on the road to COP26, which the UK will host in Glasgow in November.
From a childhood diagnosis of ADHD to his darkest moments dealing with grief – the latest track from Edinburgh hip-hop artist, CTRL, is a raw, gritty, full, and frank autobiographical insight into his life.
Solo artist Chris Thomas, also known as CTRL – a play on his initials and a reference to his determination to control his own future – speaks openly about his personal experiences on the single, ‘R.S’. The most defining moment being the untimely death of his father, Richard, when CTRL was just 19 years old. His decision to release the record ahead of Father’s Day is a fitting tribute to the most important figure in his life story.
Discussing the inspiration behind the track, CTRL explains: ‘R.S. is about facing up to the worst moments in my life, processing it all, and channelling that energy into shaping my future. It’s based on a text message my father sent me – his words of wisdom which still guide me today – and it’s what I wish I had the chance to say to him today’.
The artist, now 23, first made a name for himself in the Edinburgh rap and hip-hop scene as a regular DJ in the capital. And now he’s taking his love for the genre one step further by founding a record label, Habibi Records, with fellow music lovers, Paddy Do Rego and Mezzo.
‘We want to provide a platform for the amazing talent here in Scotland and we’re looking to sign aspiring, hungry, lyrically-driven rappers’ says CTRL.
Spotting and nurturing talent is something that comes naturally to CTRL, who is also CEO of tech company, incovo, co-owner of street food venue, Ozen, and podcast presenter on The Chris & Ryan Show.
As he says on the single, ‘Richard said, anything worth having in life will take a plan, time and effort’. And with plans to release further tracks in the coming months as well as talk of musical collaborations, it’s clear his father instilled an admirable work ethic in his son, whose unrelenting dynamism and energy is getting him noticed.
R.S. was written and performed by CTRL, produced by Paddy Do Rego, and mixed and mastered by Leftmind. It was recorded in Edinburgh, and the accompanying video was also shot in the city. Watch the full video at https://youtu.be/zjSK-SqI44s or download the track at ditto.fm/rs-ctrl.
Dobbies, the UK’s leading garden centre retailer, has announced two virtual Expert Events to help Edinburgh gardeners elevate their green spaces this summer, no matter the size or style of their garden.
The latest in a series of popular virtual events, ‘Pollinators and Perennial Plants for Summer Colour’ and ‘Small Space Gardening’ will both be hosted by Dobbies’ Horticultural Director and gardening expert, Marcus Eyles, and will provide top tips and expert advice on making the most of your outdoor space, to ensure you can enjoy it all summer long.
‘Pollinators and Perennial Plants for Summer Colour’ will take place on Saturday 19th June at 10.30am, providing the perfect opportunity to learn more about the plants that can make a huge difference to your local environment.
Marcus will share the benefits of supporting wildlife and pollinators in your garden, including bees and butterflies, as well as advising on the top 10 plants that gardeners can grow to support pollinators and provide a healthy habitat for them to thrive. Marcus will also share his expert advice on the best perennials to plant now, to add instant summer colour that will return year after year.
For a gardener with limited outdoor space, ‘Small Space Gardening’ is a virtual event that’s packed with handy tips and tricks to make the most of your garden, taking place on Saturday 10th July at 10.30am.
Marcus will share his expert advice on creating an oasis in a small garden, including tips on clever design for maximum impact, and the best plants to grow in a limited space. Marcus will also advise on his top 10 edible plants to grow in smaller outdoor areas, including terraces and balconies, to help gardeners make the most of their available outdoor space and grow plants that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways, from cooking to supporting pollinators.
During both events, Marcus will provide live demonstrations of techniques to elevate your gardening skills, and attendees from Edinburgh are invited to submit their questions for Marcus too, to get expert answers to any horticultural dilemmas.
Marcus Eyles, Horticultural Director at Dobbies, said: “Summer is a key time in the gardeners’ calendar, and there is so much that can be done to make the most of your outdoor space, no matter the size of your garden.
I am very much looking forward to sharing my knowledge and offering advice to Edinburgh gardeners old and new, to help them elevate even the smallest of gardens into an oasis to enjoy, and to help them choose plants that will not only brighten the space for years to come, but will also support the environment and local wildlife. Sustainability remains high on our agenda, and we offer more advice online with #sustainabledobbies.”
The summer gardening expert events are part of a series of free virtual events that Dobbies is hosting in 2021. Following a successful programme of Facebook Live sessions in 2020, they provide a virtual alternative to regular events usually hosted instore. Advance booking is essential for the virtual events, which are hosted on Microsoft Teams, making it quick and simple for viewers to log on and join in the event from the comfort of their homes.
The sessions are free of charge and exclusively available to Edinburgh Dobbies Club members. For those who aren’t yet members of Dobbies Club, membership is free and signing up is quick and simple, giving access to a variety of benefits, special offers and exclusive events.
St James Quarter has released episode two of its ‘Behind the Quarter’ series, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the highly anticipated shopping district. This episode showcases never-before-seen footage of a selection of the brands due to open as part of phase one.
Gill Moore, Retail, F&B and Hospitality Director at St James Quarter sits down with the General Manager of Bonnie & Wild, Kate Russell, Founder of Bross Bagels, Larah Bross and Head of Branch at John Lewis Edinburgh, Barry Blamire to find out more about what guests can expect from the new residents of The Quarter and why they are excited to be part of one of the UK’s biggest city centre transformations.
The phase one opening line-up is one of the most significant any city in Scotland has ever seen with several brands making their Scottish debuts, including; Scottish food market Bonnie & Wild, & Other Stories, PULL&BEAR, Bershka and Stradivarius.
Worldwide Cancer Research employee aims to raise over £2,000 to start cancer cures after all clear
A dad of two from Edinburgh is preparing to run his very first marathon in support of Edinburgh-based charity Worldwide Cancer Research, four years after his own cancer diagnosis.
Neil Woodley, 38, was diagnosed with testicular cancer in January 2017, after getting a lump he was concerned about checked by his GP in December 2016. Treatment involving surgery and a round of chemotherapy followed, and by the summer of 2017 he was given the all clear.
Neil’s experience made him want to do more to help advance cancer research, resulting in him volunteering for a cancer charity, and then joining Worldwide Cancer Research in 2020 as Head of Philanthropy and Partnerships after a ten-year career in recruitment.
With marathon training in full flow, Neil plans to join the charity’s 25-strong team of runners in London in October to help raise thousands to fund new cancer cures and support colleagues in their quest to find new ways to prevent, diagnose and treat cancer.
Speaking of his diagnosis and the time that followed, Neil says: “I noticed a lump and decided to get it checked out – and I’m glad I did.
“My GP referred me to a specialist at The Western straight away. It all happened pretty quickly. It was a really scary time, especially as my youngest son, Arlo, was only a baby at the time. I couldn’t help thinking about his future, and hoping I’d be there for him.
“I had surgery and one course of chemo as part of my treatment, and I was in the clear by summer the same year. I’m so grateful to the NHS and everyone who looked after me along the way – I really felt I was in the best hands possible.
“When I got the all clear I had a bit of an awakening. I asked myself ‘Am I happy?’, and realised I wanted to make some changes in my life.
“I love being part of the team at Worldwide Cancer Research. Not only am I right at the heart of the charity’s ambitious journey to start cancer cures by funding new and ground-breaking research projects, but I’m helping create a world without cancer – for me and my family but also for society as a whole. It’s an amazing feeling.
“The research we fund now could be the next life changing – and lifesaving – discovery helping those living with cancer in the future.”
In 2018, a year after his cancer diagnosis, Neil ran the Edinburgh half marathon and since then has been pretty competitive with himself, determined to shave time off his personal best.
Speaking about his running journey, Neil said: “I hated running for most of my life but I’ve grown to love it. It’s a real escape – I’ll lose myself in a good podcast or playlist and just go for it.
“My first proper run was a 5k around the Kelpies. I was a complete novice – it was a freezing night and I showed up in a t-shirt, shorts and really bad trainers while everyone else was wearing full length thermal gear.
“Running the London Marathon is firmly on my bucket list so it’s a real milestone for me. And I’m especially proud to join the growing number of Curestarters who are supporting Worldwide Cancer Research with their incredible fundraising efforts.
“Every step along the route means we’re one step closer to helping people that are living with cancer – that’s what will keep me going.”
For more information about Worldwide Cancer Research or to find out how you can help start new cancer cures, please visit:
