Johnathan takes on Scotland’s West Highland Way to raise vital funds for sick and injured pets
Nine-year-old Johnathan Westacott from North Devon has walked an incredible 96 miles to raise vital funds for vet charity PDSA.
Following many months of intense training, Johnathan walked for a total of 59 hours, covering over 310,000 steps over eight days across the wild landscapes of Scotland, raising over £1,500 for PDSA, who provide vital veterinary care to sick and injured pets across the UK.
The animal-obsessed fundraiser took on the challenge alongside his family and their family dogs Fudge and Coco, sharing regular video updates on their Facebook page throughout the gruelling hike.
Johnathan’s mum, Jennifer Westacott (37) said: “We are so proud of Johnathan and his achievement – it’s an incredible distance and seeing him finish the West Highland Way walk in aid of his favourite charity PDSA has made me burst with pride.
“Myself and my husband, Andrew, walked alongside him, together with his nanny and grandad, so we could all support one another to get through the miles. It wasn’t easy but together we made it so we could be there for Jonathan and we all kept each other going despite the very tired legs and blisters!
“Johnathan has always loved animals, especially dogs, and he decided to take on the challenge and to raise funds for vet charity PDSA.
“He was inspired to support PDSA after watching the daily live feeds from Max Out in the Lakes Facebook page who share daily updates during their walks with three Spaniels, Max, Paddy and Harry in the Lake District.
“They have held many fundraising events for PDSA, so Johnathan wanted to follow in their footsteps and do the same!”
Ruth Lister from PDSA said: “Johnathan’s challenge is incredibly inspiring and we are very grateful to Johnathan and the whole family for their support.
“The funds raised through their amazing fundraising challenge means that we are able to continue our life-saving work, caring for pets whose owners have nowhere else to turn.
“We rely on the generosity of the pet-loving public who donate to make sure we can be there for a pet when they need us most. It’s thanks to inspiring fundraisers, such as Johnathan and his family, that we’re able to continue our life-saving work.”
So far Johnathan’s JustGiving page has raised over £1,500.
Further donations to support his fundraiser for PDSA can be made here:
No pet owner should be faced with losing a beloved pet because they can no longer afford to pay for treatment. For many vulnerable pets, PDSA is there to help when there is nowhere else for their owners to turn.
More than one third of patients facing long waits in Scotland, as Emergency Care remains in severe crisis.
Responding to the latest weekly Emergency Department performance figures in Scotland Dr John Thomson, Vice President of The Royal College of Emergency Medicine Scotland, said:“We are continuing to see severely poor performance in the Emergency Care system. Staff are becoming more and more burnt out; the appalling crisis in Emergency Care is seriously distressing.
“The public are extremely worried about these long waiting times, and rightly so, because patients are coming to harm. Staff continue doing all they can to deliver care and keep patients safe, but it is incredibly challenging.
“It is a desperate situation, a result of widespread shortages of staff and beds throughout the system and a crisis in social care. Despite exiting winter and entering spring, the situation remains dire; we have never faced a crisis worse than this. The intense workload is breaking staff, and the distressing circumstances are breaking their morale.
“Patients continue to face seriously long waits, and we continue to state that this crisis is worse than ever, and that patients are coming to harm. The government cannot let this deteriorate further, staff and patients urgently need meaningful action now to tackle the desperate situation in Emergency Care and address the widespread staff shortages, the bed shortages, and the social care crisis.”
Students from Edinburgh College Midlothian Campus have marked the completion of their ground-breaking homelessness awareness project this month.
The students took part in Leonard Cheshire’s ‘Can Do’ programme, during which they decided to embark on a ‘building communities’ project to raise funds for, and awareness of, the needs of people in the community who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.
Delivered by the pan-disability charity Leonard Cheshire, Can Do is a skills development and community involvement programme designed for 16-35 year olds with additional support needs.
With both in-person and virtual formats, the participants took part in sessions on fundraising, mental health and wellbeing, designing posters and much more. The project gave the students an opportunity to make a positive difference in the community, improving their confidence and motivation, while also providing a learning opportunity. Participants gained an SVQ Building Communities award through completion of their project.
In one session, the students learned about homelessness and discussed some essential items you might need for winter as a homeless person.
Following this, they were tasked with some online shopping to create ‘care and share’ bags to donate. Each participant was given tasks, such as budgeting, comparing prices and spotting deals, before ordering and receiving the items, and packing the bags.
These bags, as well as all proceeds from the campaign, were donated to Bethany Christian Trust, a charitable organisation in Scotland whose mission is to relieve suffering and meet the long-term needs of homeless and vulnerable people in Scotland.
On receiving the items, Kevin, a staff member from Bethany Christian Trust, said: “I am grateful for the bags of love and kindness that have been donated by the students from Edinburgh College Midlothian campus.
“Bethany Christian Trust is full of gratitude for the commitment shown by the students in putting the bags together and the residents are absolutely going to love the items”.
The students also had an opportunity to learn first-hand about mental health and wellbeing. A local man who has lived experience of being homeless explained how he struggled with his mental health and discussed with the participants the support he received to recover from the challenges he faced. The students later sent wonderful messages of encouragement to him for his strength and ability to stay positive.
James,One of the Can Do participants, said: “What I liked most about the project was getting an opportunity to help and make someone smile”.
Jasmine Lapointe, Lecturer at Edinburgh College, applauded the students for choosing such a significant project which made a positive and tangible difference in people’s lives, and said they should all be proud for taking part.
Obert Dhundu, Leonard Cheshire’s Can Do Coordinator for Edinburgh, said “The students expressed a keen interest in embarking on a project that will be impactful not only for themselves but for vulnerable people in the community, and this led them to choose a project centred on homelessness.
“They showed great commitment in learning about homelessness, as well as the related topics we covered. It was a real privilege to have facilitated this project for them.”
Local MPChristine Jardine MP was welcomed to Dogs Trust West Calder Rehoming Centre this month where she was greeted by a wagging tail reception.
As well as a behind the scenes tour of the West Lothian centre, the MP for Edinburgh West chatted with Rehoming Centre Manager Susan Tonner about the charity’s work in Scotland and in particular the recent expansion of the Home from Home fostering scheme into Dundee and the surrounding counties of Angus, Perthshire and Fife.
The charity has recently employed its first Home from Home Co-ordinator in Dundee and has just placing its first dogs into foster homes in the Dundee area, with the aim of rehoming over 100 dogs locally every year.
Ms Jardine met some of the centre’s handsome hounds patiently waiting on their forever homes including loveable Shih Tzu, Tilly, who is looking to be rehomed with her best pal, Angel, a friendly border collie.
Following her visit, Christine Jardine MP, said: “It was a pleasure to visit West Calder Rehoming Centre and to meet not only their dogs but also the excellent team who take care of them and work hard to find them their forever homes.
“The charity goes above and beyond for each individual dog, with some better suited to a foster home while they await their new families. One of the best parts of a great visit was hearing about the foster scheme and how people can get involved. I would encourage anyone who is willing and able to look after a dog on a temporary basis to get in touch with Dogs Trust to find out more.”
Susan Tonner said: “It is clear Ms Jardine is a real dog lover, so it was lovely to meet her and show her around our Rehoming Centre, introducing her to some of our wonderful pooches.
“It was also a great opportunity for us to discuss the benefits of foster caring which is such an important part of our work. Ms Jardine was a real supporter of our Home from Home foster scheme and its continued growth within Scotland.”
Dogs Trust is currently looking for Home from Home fosterers in Dundee, Tayside, Perth and Kinross, Fife, Angus and Kincardine. Anyone interested can call Megan on 01506 873459 or email HFH.Dundee@dogstrust.org.uk
Anyone interested in rehoming Tilly, Angel or a four-legged friend can click here:
Changes to The Highway Code will help ensure the first wave of self-driving vehicles are used safely on UK roads.
UK Government sets out changes to The Highway Code to ensure the first self-driving vehicles are introduced safely on UK roads
changes clarify drivers’ responsibilities in self-driving vehicles, including when a driver must be ready to take back control
future technology could improve and level up transport, easing congestion, cutting emissions and reducing collisions caused by human error
Drivers will be able to experience the full benefits of the first self-driving vehicles when they arrive, as government sets out how they should be driven safely on UK roads.
The government has today (20 April 2022) confirmed planned changes to The Highway Code, responding to a public consultation, continuing to pave the way for safer, more efficient travel.
The changes to the code will help ensure the first wave of technology will be used safely, explaining clearly that while travelling in self-driving mode, motorists must be ready to resume control in a timely way if they are prompted to – such as when they approach motorway exits.
The plans also include a change to current regulation, allowing drivers to view content that is not related to driving on built-in display screens, while the self-driving vehicle is in control. It will, however, still be illegal to use mobile phones in self-driving mode, given the greater risk they pose in distracting drivers as shown in research.
With self-driving technology rapidly developing across the globe, Britain’s first vehicles approved for self-driving could be ready for use later this year. Vehicles will undergo rigorous testing and only be approved as self-driving when they have met stringent standards.
The government is continuing to develop a full legal framework for self-driving vehicles to enable the safer and greener movement of people and goods in the UK. The Department for Transport will also work with industry, regulators and safety organisations to ensure drivers can access information, including online, to help them use the vehicles safely.
Transport Minister Trudy Harrison said: “This is a major milestone in our safe introduction of self-driving vehicles, which will revolutionise the way we travel, making our future journeys greener, safer and more reliable.
“This exciting technology is developing at pace right here in Great Britain and we’re ensuring we have strong foundations in place for drivers when it takes to our roads.
“In doing so, we can help improve travel for all while boosting economic growth across the nation and securing Britain’s place as a global science superpower.”
The development of self-driving vehicles could create around 38,000 new, high-skilled jobs within Britain’s industry that would be worth £41.7 billion by 2035.
The measures confirmed today follow a public consultation launched by the government, which found the majority of respondents were broadly supportive of the proposed changes to The Highway Code to clarify drivers’ responsibilities in self-driving vehicles.
The introduction of the technology is likely to begin with vehicles travelling at slow speeds on motorways, such as in congested traffic.
Designed for use on a motorway in slow traffic, ALKS enables a vehicle to drive itself in a single lane, up to 37 mph, while maintaining the ability to return control easily and safely to the driver when required.
Meanwhile, the government expects to have a full regulatory framework in place to support the widespread deployment of the technology by 2025, helping to make the movement of people and goods safer, greener and more efficient.
The technology could improve road safety across Britain by reducing human error, which is a contributory factor in 88% of all recorded road collisions.
Steve Gooding, director of the RAC Foundation, said: “The Highway Code has been updated a number of times in recent years to reflect the rapidly changing transport world we live in and these latest additions will help us all understand what we must and must not do as we move forward to an environment where cars drive themselves.
“The final part of the jigsaw is to ensure these amendments are widely communicated to, and understood by, vehicle owners. Vehicle manufacturers and sellers will have a vital role to play in ensuring their customers fully appreciate the capabilities of the cars they buy and the rules that govern them.”
Self-driving technology in cars, buses and delivery vehicles could spark the beginning of the end of urban congestion, with traffic lights and vehicles speaking to each other to keep traffic flowing, reducing emissions and improving air quality in our towns and cities.
The technology could also improve access to transport for people with mobility issues and lead to more reliable public transport services, helping to level-up access to transport in historically disconnected and rural areas.
Mike Hawes, SMMT Chief Executive, said: “Amending The Highway Code to reflect the pace of technological change will help clarify what motorists can and can’t do when a self-driving feature is engaged, so promoting its safe use.
“The technology could be available in the UK later this year and, with the right regulations in place, consumers are set to benefit from safer, more efficient journeys while the UK will strengthen its position as a global leader in the deployment of self-driving technology.”
Police investigating the disappearance of Stuart Campbell have issued a fresh appeal for witnesses to come forward.
Stuart (36) was last seen in the Barn Park area of Wester Hailes, around 4pm on Tuesday, 22 March, 2022. It has now been four weeks since he went missing.
Stuart’s mother Jane said : “Stuart, if you are reading this please get in touch. All your family and friends are worried about you and want you home safe.
“If anyone has seen Stuart or knows where he is please get in touch with myself or the police.
“It’s been nearly four weeks now and we all want you home safe and well.”
Chief Inspector Mark Hamilton, Area Commander for South West Edinburgh said : “Over the last four weeks local officers supported by specialist teams from Police Scotland have continued to search for Stuart.
“We are increasingly concerned for his well-being and have carried out open searches in Barn Park, Clovenstone, Union Canal, Water of Leith and Colinton Dell in effort to trace him and further searches are continuing in the surrounding areas.
“Officers are also carrying out further house to house enquiries and have been asking residents in Wester Hailes if they have any information that could assist them with their enquiries. We are also identifying further CCTV opportunities in the area and in particular would welcome assistance from local businesses or residents who may have private CCTV.
“Stuart is described as being 5ft 10in tall, with short brown hair. He was last seen wearing a dark-coloured jacket, green hooded top with white ties and grey jogging bottoms.
“Anyone who knows where Stuart is or who has information that could assist in tracing him should call 101 quoting 1205 of 28 March or speak to any police officer.”
People across Lothian are being encouraged to help ensure health and care services across the region are fit for the future.
NHS Lothian and Lothian’s four Health and Social Care Partnerships has launched a major engagement initiative as they begin planning how services should be designed and delivered over the next five years. Priorities include ensuring that people have equal access to the right care and support, wherever they live in the region.
Calum Campbell, Chief Executive of NHS Lothian, said: “There are lots of reasons why we need to consider how things may need to change to ensure everyone has equal access to the care they need to live their best lives.
“The past two years of pandemic have been hugely challenging, so we need to make sure that we prioritise our resources as effectively as possible to help reduce waiting times.
“There are opportunities too. Technology and innovation in medicine can have a huge impact on what we can do and how we do it, and we have learnt a lot about new ways of working.”
The move comes against a backdrop of challenge facing health and care services that existed even before the pandemic.
More people are living longer – a testament to improvements in general population health and innovation in medicine and healthcare – but this has also created the highest ever demand for these services, as people are likely to need them more in their later years.
The NHS workforce is ageing too. There are more NHS staff over 55 years of age than under 30. That means a focus on recruitment and training is vital, but also that the roles themselves in healthcare might need to change.
Mr Campbell added: “It’s really important that patients, carers, partner organisations and our staff understand the constraints and the opportunities and tell us what matters most to them as we develop our plans.
“There is not a household in the land that is not affected by these services at some point, so this really is for everyone to think about and have their say.”
This phase of the engagement process is running until the end of May and the public are invited to get involved by reading the draft framework and providing feedback or by attending one of the virtual events being held across the next two months.
