Day: July 23, 2021

Olympics 2020: Tom Daley makes a splash as Team GB’s biggest Instagram influencer

  • Analysis of Team GB athletes’ Instagram accounts reveals that Tom Daley is the biggest influencer, with Andy Murray coming close second
  • Sky Brown, the youngest athlete to ever compete in Team GB at just 13 years old, has 825,000 Instagram followers – the third most
  • Players on women’s football team boast 16 spots in the Top 50

Team GB star Tom Daley has won gold before the Olympics have even started, topping the podium as Britain’s most influential athlete at the games.

New research by CasinoScores.com has revealed that Daley can earn up to £6,845 per sponsored Instagram post.

The study analysed the Instagram profile of each Team GB member and used social media market data to discover who are the most influential athletes representing Britain in Tokyo. 

Tom Daley, who will compete as part of the diving team, boasts two million Instagram followers, giving him the highest earning potential in Team GB. He tops list, beating out other big names such as Andy Murray, Dina Asher-Smith and Adam Peaty.

The diver, who won bronze at the London 2012 Olympics, has garnered followers not only from his diving success but his knitting account which went viral during lockdown.

Andy Murray earns the silver medal when it comes to the most influential athletes on Team GB with two million followers and the potential to earn up to £5,887.50 per sponsored post. 

Surprisingly, the third most influential athlete is Sky Brown, the youngest ever athlete on Team GB at just 13. The skateboarder has potential earnings of £4,102.50 per post thanks to 823,000 Instagram followers.

Most Influential Athletes in Team GB on Instagram and what they could earn
AthleteInstagram HandlePotential Earnings per sponsored postNumber of Instagram followers
Tom Daleytomdaley£6,8452,000,000
Andy Murrayandymurray£5,887.502,000,000
Sky Brownskybrown£4,102.50823,000
Geraint Thomasgeraintthomas86£2,400481,736
Adam Peatyadam_peaty£2,290459,683
Shauna Coxseyshaunacoxsey£2,113.75424,000
Tommy Fleetwoodofficialtommyfleetwood£1,696.25340,000
Dina Asher-Smithdinaashersmith£1,521.25304,220
Lucy Bronzelucybronze£1,325265,000
Leah Williamsonleahwilliamson£1,306.25260,000
Fran Kirbyfrankirby£1,241.25248,000
Jack Laugherjacklaugher£1,138.75227,324
Steph Houghtonstephhoughton2£1,096.25221,000
Katarina Johnson-Thompsonjohnsonthompson£1,087.50217,000
Tom Pidcocktompidcock£1,077.50219,000

Olympians that have won gold have gone on to make significant earnings from their sporting success. Eight time Olympic gold medallist Usain Bolt has amassed 10.2 million Instagram followers and can now charge up to £25,000 per sponsored post.

The analysis showed that women’s football is the most influential sport according to Instagram with 16 of the top 50 spots being occupied by the Women’s football players. 

A spokesperson for CasinoScores.com commented: “The competition for medals at the Games will be fierce, but these figures show that there is plenty of opportunity for athletes to strike gold through their social profiles.

“On average, a Team GB athlete in our top 50 can earn more than £1,000 for a sponsored Instagram post. And as the UK cheers them on this summer, they can expect their followings to grow even more.”

The research was carried out by CasinoScores.com, which is dedicated to providing players with live casino statistics, live scores and more.

 https://www.casinoscores.com

Letters: Half of all pancreatic cancer patients are not prescribed tablets they need to stop them starving

Dear Editor,

Shockingly, despite pancreatic cancer being the deadliest common, half of all pancreatic cancer patients are not prescribed the inexpensive tablets they need to stop them starving.

As Chief Exec of Pancreatic Cancer UK, I am deeply concerned that so many patients  are missing out on this medication – called Pancreatic Enzyme Replacement Therapy (PERT) – which is just as vital for people with pancreatic cancer as insulin is for those with diabetes.

The main cause is a lack of awareness among health professionals, who do a wonderful job caring for people, but don’t specialise in the disease or treat pancreatic cancer patients as frequently as those with other more common types of cancer.

PERT enables patients to digest food, helping them to tolerate treatment and to manage debilitating symptoms from the cancer – including pain, diarrhoea and extreme weight loss. A simple prescription could give so many people with incurable pancreatic cancer more – and better quality – time with their loved ones.

We need action across the NHS to raise awareness of PERT tablets and ensure everyone who needs them is prescribed them.   Nobody should have to watch someone they love waste away from pancreatic cancer.

Over 26,000 people have already joined our Transform Lives: Prescribe campaign, urging the NHS to implement targets to make sure PERT tablets are prescribed routinely.

Your readers can show their support for the campaign and help stop people with pancreatic cancer from starving at transformlives.pancreaticcancer.org.uk/

Diana Jupp

CEO of Pancreatic Cancer UK

Scotland men’s hockey squad faces Ireland in three-match series

The Scotland men’s squad has been announced for a three-match series against Ireland at Titwood this week.

The uncapped series began last night with an entertaining 1-1 draw and the nations will meet again over the weekend (Saturday 24 July at 4pm, and Sunday 25 July at 11:30am).

Due to Covid restrictions the maximum capacity is 50 spectators; Clydesdale Hockey Club is managing a ‘first come first served’ entry process for the matches, with doors open from one hour ahead of push back.

These matches come as the Scots build towards European competition. Scotland men are due to play at Men’s EuroHockey Championship II on 15-21 August in Gniezno, Poland, where they will face Austria, Switzerland and Ukraine in Pool B. Ireland, Italy, Croatia and Poland will also feature at the tournament.

The Blue Sticks will be battling for promotion back to the top tier of European hockey at the tournament in August. The Scots won EuroHockey Championship II back in 2017 in front of a full house in Glasgow, before goal difference saw them relegated from the EuroHockey Championships in 2019.

Match 1

Tommy Alexander (Uhlenhorst)

David Forrester (Grange)

Dan Coultas (Watsonians)

Murray Collins (Teddington)

Robbie Croll (Edinburgh University)

Gordon Amour (Cambridge City)

Duncan Riddell (Grange)

Robbie Shepherdson (Grange)

Michael Bremner (Uhlenhorst)

Rob Field (Holcombe)

Callum Mackenzie (Wimbledon)

Lee Morton (Old Georgians)

Hamish Imrie (Royal Antwerp)

Cammy Golden (Uhlenhorst)

Andrew McConnell (Western Wildcats)

Rob Harwood (Western Wildcats)

Jamie Golden (Surbiton)

Struan Walker (Club an der Alster)

Match 2

David Forrester (Grange)

Rory McCallum (Teddington)

Dan Coultas (Watsonians)

Murray Collins (Teddington)

Aidan McQuade (Qui Vive)

Gordon Amour (Cambridge City)

Robbie Croll (Edinburgh University)

Robbie Shepherdson (Grange)

Michael Bremner (Uhlenhorst)

Rob Field (Holcombe)

Hamish Galt (Western Wildcats)

Lee Morton (Old Georgians)

Gavin Byers (Grobflottbeker)

Cammy Golden (Uhlenhorst)

Andrew McConnell (Western Wildcats)

Rob Harwood (Western Wildcats)

Ed Greaves (Teddington)

Struan Walker (Club an der Alster)

Match 3

Tommy Alexander (Uhlenhorst)

Sam Lloyd (East Grinstead)

Dan Coultas (Watsonians)

Murray Collins (Teddington)

Aidan McQuade (Qui Vive)

Duncan Riddell (Grange)

Robbie Croll (Edinburgh University)

Robbie Shepherdson (Grange)

Michael Bremner (Uhlenhorst)

Rob Field (Holcombe)

Callum Mackenzie (Wimbledon)

Lee Morton (Old Georgians)

Hamish Imrie (Royal Antwerp) 

Cammy Golden (Uhlenhorst)

Andrew McConnell (Western Wildcats)

Ed Greaves (Teddington)

Jamie Golden (Surbiton)

Gavin Byers (Grobflottbeker)

LifeCare Edinburgh receives support from Arnold Clark

LifeCare Edinburgh has received £1,000 from Arnold Clark’s Community Fund to help the charity deliver its essential care to hundreds of older people living across the North of the city. 

The renowned local charity offers registered care, outreach activities and help at home services for older people. Established in 1941, the organisation supports elderly clients suffering with dementia, mobility issues, those experiencing isolation and loneliness, food poverty, mental health problems and offers dedicated support for carers.  

LifeCare’s vital services have not stopped through the pandemic. Since March 2020, the charity has supported over 770 elderly individuals with vital positive support designed to protect and maintain the physical and mental health needs of some of the most isolated older members of the community. 

The committed team has worked tirelessly to safely deliver essential care, practical help and companionship activities to ensure older people received the support they needed to stay well.  The charity also launched several important new initiatives, such as their hugely successful meals on wheels service, specifically designed to help support the most isolated and vulnerable.  

Margaret Stewart, Care Service Manager at LifeCare said: “Throughout LifeCare, we have worked tirelessly to ensure no client in need went without our dedicated support and contact. 

“We have delivered over 7,500 hours of registered care through the crisis to date, over 10,000 hours of help within the home, made over 4,300 calls to carers most in need and served up over 10,000 hot nutritious meals to doorsteps. 

“We simply could not deliver this vital care without the generous support from our funders.  A huge thank you to Arnold Clark for this recent award which will help us to continue to care for those who need our help.”

Chief Executive and Group Managing Director Eddie Hawthorne said: “The Arnold Clark Community Fund is here to connect us with our local communities, and we’re delighted that we’ve been able to help LifeCare with this grant.

“The past year has been challenging for so many of us, which is why it’s important that organisations like LifeCare, who work so hard improve the lives of others, continue to get the support they need.

“We hope this grant will make a difference and help them continue to provide essential care to the elderly living in Edinburgh.”

For more information visit https://www.lifecare-edinburgh.org.uk/

Defibrillator for Drylaw Church

Drylaw Parish Church has just installed an external defibrillator at the front door of the church for community use.

As you probably know you do not need any training or prior information to be able to use this; instructions are on the unit itself, indicating that anyone wanting to use it should phone 999 and then are given the code to open the unit. 

The unit is on the left hand side of the front door, and is bright yellow.

This installation is part of an Edinburgh-wide church project, initiated by the Church of Scotland and now extending to other denominations and other faith traditions. 

It reflects the churches’ commitment to support health and well-being. This is in conjunction with St John’s Ambulance Defibs across the city of Edinburgh.

Here in Drylaw Parish Church we are seeking to support health in other ways as well. We are just starting to offer contributions towards mental health, in partnership with Pilton Community Health Project. See below a flyer with information about that:

Capacitar, an internationally used way to support people enabling them to support themselves. This is running on Mondays lunchtimes at 12.30pm and is open to anyone, professionals and local people, who might appreciate 45 minutes of body/mind relaxation and reflection.

In time, we hope this could become a hybrid group, allowing local people to do this in person in the church building. People can refer themselves, simply emailing for the link as indicated.

Minister – Jenny Williams

Groathill Road, North jwilliams@churchofscotland.org.uk
Edinburgh 07935 723 968
EH4 4RG
0131 332 6863

drylawparishchurch@btinternet.com

Health chiefs issue warning as childhood respiratory infections rise ahead of winter

Respiratory infections in young children have begun to rise out of season, following low infection levels in response to COVID-19 restrictions and good infection control measures that have been in place.

  • Parents are being encouraged to look out for symptoms of severe infection in at-risk children, including a high temperature of 37.8°C or above (fever), a dry and persistent cough, difficulty feeding, rapid or noisy breathing (wheezing).
  • The NHS is preparing for a rise in children needing treatment.
  • Through the Respiratory DataMart surveillance system, positivity of samples tested for RSV has increased over the last 5 consecutive weeks and now stands at 8.9%.

Health chiefs in England are encouraging parents to be aware of the signs of respiratory illnesses in young children, as data from Public Health England (PHE) shows cases are starting to rise in parts of the country.

Respiratory illnesses, including colds and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) are very common in young children and we see them every year.

Last winter, due to the various restrictions in place to reduce the spread of coronavirus (COVID-19), there were far fewer infections in younger people. This means many will not have developed immunity and so we may see more cases this year than in a typical season. For the majority of children, these illnesses will not be serious and they will soon recover following rest and plenty of fluids.

RSV is a very common virus and almost all children are infected with it by the time they are 2 years old. In older children and adults, RSV may cause a cough or cold.

However, some children under 2, especially those born prematurely or with a heart condition, can suffer more serious consequences from these common infections such as bronchiolitis, an inflammatory infection of the lower airways – which can make it hard to breathe.

The early symptoms of bronchiolitis are similar to those of a common cold but can develop over a few days into a high temperature of 37.8°C or above (fever), a dry and persistent cough, difficulty feeding, rapid or noisy breathing (wheezing).

Most cases of bronchiolitis are not serious and clear up within 2 to 3 weeks, but you should contact your GP or call NHS 111 if:

  • you are worried about your child
  • your child has taken less than half their usual amount during the last 2 or 3 feeds, or they have had a dry nappy for 12 hours or more
  • your child has a persistent high temperature of 37.8C or above
  • your child seems very tired or irritable

Dial 999 for an ambulance if:

  • your baby is having difficulty breathing
  • your baby’s tongue or lips are blue
  • there are long pauses in your baby’s breathing

While still at low numbers, respiratory infections in young children are expected to rise this summer and as we go into the winter months.

Health Minister Lord Bethell said: “I remember the long nights in hospital when my 8 week old daughter fought off RSV. The image of her tiny body plugged into those machines and gasping for air will not leave me. I would not wish those moments for anyone.

“I urge all parents and carers to be alert to the signs of RSV, particularly amongst young children. It’s a nasty bug, so watch out for it.”

Dr Yvonne Doyle, Medical Director at PHE, said: “This winter, we expect levels of common seasonal illnesses such as cold and flu to increase as people mix more and given that fewer people will have built up natural immunity during the pandemic.

“Children under 2 are at a particular risk of severe infections from common seasonal illnesses. If a child under 2 is suffering from a cold, keep a close eye on their symptoms and make sure to contact your doctor if they get a high temperature, become breathless or have difficulty feeding.

“It’s important that we carry on with good hygiene habits that we’ve become used to during the pandemic, in order to protect ourselves and those around us. This means washing your hands regularly, using a tissue to catch coughs or sneezes and washing your hands afterwards, and staying away from others if you feel unwell.”

Ruth May, Chief Nursing Officer for England, said: “For most children these illnesses won’t be serious and they will ​soon bounce back but if you do need medical help for your child, especially if they are under 2, please do come forward for the care you need.

“The NHS has detailed plans in place for a wide range of scenarios ahead of winter and will continue to adapt them as needed, in line with the guidance from PHE.”

NHS England began planning for the potential rise in paediatric respiratory infections in April 2021, with paediatric units bringing forward their usual winter planning, escalation and emergency processes which will support an increased capacity in terms of beds, workforce and ward supplies.

First Minister announces changes to self-isolation rules in Scotland

‘It is essential that lifeline services and critical national infrastructure are maintained‘ – FM NICOLA STURGEON

Changes are being made to self-isolation rules for close contacts of COVID cases to allow essential staff in critical roles to return to work to maintain lifeline services and critical national infrastructure.

It will be possible to apply to exempt those who work in critical roles where staff shortages are in danger of putting essential services, such as health and social care, transport and the provision of food supplies at risk.

Exemption will only be granted in respect of members of staff who voluntarily agree not to self isolate, and the employers’ duty of care to all their employees must be respected.

Strict conditions will apply – staff must be double-vaccinated and in receipt of their second dose at least two weeks previously. They will also require to have a negative PCR test and to agree to undertake daily lateral flow tests.

Applications may be made via the Scottish Government website.

Exemptions will be made on a temporary basis and last only for as long as there is an immediate risk to business or service continuity.

First Minister Nicola Sturgeon said: “It is essential that lifeline services and critical national infrastructure are maintained and we are implementing these changes now – ahead of possible changes to self-isolation rules for close contacts that may apply more generally in future – to ensure staff shortages do not put key services at risk.

“We have seen significant staff shortages in a small number of organisations in recent days and we have worked with them to protect services. Applications for exemptions are being considered from today and we will consider applications as they come in.

“Clinical evidence tells us we can safely and effectively release some critical staff from self-isolation, with appropriate safeguards. However, this is a very limited change at this stage, to be applied on a case by case basis and only where absolutely necessary.

“We will not allow key services to be threatened by staff shortages but equally we must continue to protect public health.”

GMB Scotland: THINK AGAIN!

Responding to First Minister Nicola Sturgeon’s announcement , GMB Scotland Secretary Louise Gilmour said: “The decision taken by the Scottish Government to introduce exemptions for critical workers from self-isolation guidance has been driven by resource, not by what’s safe for the workers or their families.

“It’s not frontline workers following COVID precautions that threatens to put key services at risk, but the cuts, underfunding and understaffing of these services that means we don’t have the capacity we need to respond in times of crisis.

“Whether it’s in the NHS, our social care sector or in our supermarkets, the story is the same: it’s low paid, exhausted and predominantly women workers who have to make sacrifices as a result of the failure of those at the top to plan and invest.

“GMB is urging the Scottish Government to rethink their decision to gamble with the lives of our key workers, before it’s too late.”

New report outlines impact of youth work during pandemic

A new report exploring how youth work responded to the needs of young people during the Covid-19 pandemic reveals the importance of youth work’s role in closing the attainment gap going forward.

Youth work: Closing the poverty-related attainment gap during the pandemic found that access to youth work within a whole system approach can play a key role in mitigating the longer-term impact of the pandemic in relation to attainment, mental health and wellbeing.

The report identified that disruption to youth work services exacerbated the impact of the pandemic on young people’s learning, achievement and wellbeing.

The youth work sector’s ability to adapt to changing guidelines to create new safe spaces had an overwhelmingly positive influence on young people’s resilience during the pandemic, with 83% of young people reporting that youth work had been important or very important to them over the past year.

100 Days until COP26

Scotland makes international pledge to help deliver the Paris Agreement 

With 100 days until COP26 comes to Glasgow, Scotland has set out how it will help meet the global goals of the Paris Agreement on climate change.

The indicative Nationally Determined Contribution (NDC) published today (23 July) outlines Scotland’s contribution to preventing warming of more than 1.5 degrees.

Scotland is understood to be the first government that is not a formal party to the Paris Agreement to publish an indicative NDC.

While only parties to the Paris Agreement may submit NDCs, the Scottish Government committed to publishing an indicative NDC as an sign of Scotland’s commitment to joining and leading the international effort on tackling climate change. Its publication was a 100 day commitment for the government.

The indicative NDC reflects Scotland’s distinctive framework of statutory emissions reduction targets, in particular our world-leading 2030 target to reduce emissions of all major greenhouse gases by at least 75%. It also sets out our approach to achieving these ambitious targets, with a commitment to deliver a just transition at its heart.

Cabinet Secretary for Net Zero, Energy and Transport Michael Matheson said: “With COP26 coming to Glasgow, Scotland has a unique opportunity to show leadership on climate action on the international stage.

“I’m proud to publish this pledge, setting out how Scotland is contributing to the global aims of the Paris Agreement. By highlighting our own action, we hope to inspire others to raise their ambition.

“COP26 represents the world’s best chance – and possibly one of our last chances – to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees. We are working hard with our delivery partners to make sure the event is safe and secure and to create a platform for agreeing decisive climate action.”

As part of the climate agreement negotiated in Paris in 2015, signatories must publish NDCs – plans that set out their action to contribute to the goal of limiting global warming to well below 2 degrees ( with “further efforts” to limit it to no more than 1.5 degrees).

While taking centre stage at November’s international event is something to look forward to, the Scottish Government has pressing local issues to deal with before then. The number of Covid cases in Scotland remains worryingly high and 22 deaths were recorded yesterday – the highest figure for four months.

Lord Provost wishes Edinburgh’s Olympians good luck

The Lord Provost has wished all those born or based in the Capital the very best for the Tokyo Olympic games which open today (Friday 23 July).

Team Edinburgh includes rowers Katherine Douglas, Harry Leask, Polly Swan, Karen Bennett and Lucy Hope as well as Bradley Forbes-Cryans going for gold in the canoe slalom. In the pool will be divers Grace Reid and James Heatly, as well as swimmers Lucy Hope and Cassie Wild. 

Ross McCann will compete in the GB Rugby Sevens team, while Sarah Addlington will battle for Team GB in judo. On the track, Joshua Kerr will compete in the 1500m and shooting star Seonaid McIntosh will be gunning for a gold medal this weekend.

Lord Provost Frank Ross, said: “As Lord Provost and on behalf of the people of Edinburgh, I would like to congratulate all the athletes on their selection to represent Team GB at the forthcoming Olympic Games. They are fantastic ambassadors for the City.

“In taking part in the Games they are representing extraordinary dedication and determination in their sports and are an inspiration for sporting fans throughout the Capital. Edinburgh has impressive representation with athletes born, based or training and studying in the Capital and I’m sure residents will join me in cheering them on as they go for gold. I wish you all the very best for Tokyo 2020.”