A consortium led by Spartans main shareholder Scott Davidson have been given EFL/IFR approval to purchase Shrewsbury Town FC.
The deal has yet to be finalised and is yet to receive SFA approval. The proposed new Board of Shrewsbury Town FC will be chaired by Scott and will also include fellow Spartans directors Will Dotson and Craig Graham, subject to IFR clearance which is expected this week, as well as Brad Friedel the US International and ex Premier League goal-keeper.
There will be an informal relationship between Spartans FC and Shrewsbury Town FC which will allow both of us to benefit from sharing knowledge and experience.
We also both have excellent Community Foundations, this deal will provide valuable opportunities for collaboration and mutual learning.
Further information will be shared as the acquisition process proceeds.
UK drivers hit with £37.7 million in bus lane fines in the first six months of 2026, new analysis reveals
MoneySuperMarket requested Freedom of Information (FOI) data to reveal the cities issuing the most fines for bus lane and bus gate infringements
More than 1.17 million fines for driving in bus lanes and gates were issued in the first six months of 2026 – the equivalent of one fine every 13 seconds
In the first half of 2026, an average of £200,000 was collected each day from British motorists for bus-related driving penalties
British drivers have been issued more than 1.17 million bus lane and gate Penalty Charge Notices (PCNs) during the first half of 2026, generating more than £37.7 million in fines, according to new analysis by car insurance expert MoneySuperMarket.
Though most drivers will be aware of bus lanes, the road lanes reserved for buses, and often taxis, cyclists and motorbikes, bus gates may be more unfamiliar. These ‘gates’ block a short stretch of road to all traffic except buses, rather than restricting one lane. Both bus lanes and gates are enforced by CCTV or automatic number plate recognition (ANPR) cameras and can result in PCN fines being issued for rule breaches.
The analysis, based on Freedom of Information (FOI) requests made by MoneySuperMarket to 77 councils and transport authorities across England, Scotland and Wales, reveals the scale and cost of bus lane enforcement across Great Britain. The data shows the equivalent of one fine issued roughly every 13 seconds – more than £200,000 collected from motorists per day.
The research also reveals which authorities issued the most PCNs across the first six months of the year, with Transport for London (TfL) taking the top spot with 90,511 fines issued. Outside of London, Manchester follows in second place with 77,878 fines issued, while Sheffield ranks third with 59,011 PCNs issued.
Number of PCNs Issued for Bus Lane and Gate Infringements, By City/Authority
Rank
City/Authority
Total PCNs issued for bus lane/gate infringement(Jan – June 2026)
1
Transport for London (TfL)
90,511
2
Manchester
77,878
3
Sheffield
59,011
4
Bristol
56,882
5
Leeds
53,009
6
Birmingham
51,687
7
Southampton
42,216
8
Reading
36,583
9
Liverpool
35,526
10
Coventry
35,265
Manchester generated the most revenue from fines paid for bus lane and gate infringements, with the council receiving over £2.7 million in revenue in the first six months of 2026. Despite issuing more PCNs, TfL generated just under £2.4 million in revenue for the same time, with Birmingham (£2.17m) placing third.
Total Revenue from Bus Lane and Gate PCN Fines, By City/Authority
Rank
City/Authority
Total revenue from bus lane/gate infringement fines(Jan – June 2026)
1
Manchester
£2,726,409
2
Transport for London (TfL)
£2,374,283
3
Birmingham
£2,165,600
4
Sheffield
£1,700,741
5
Glasgow
£1,699,474
6
Leeds
£1,412,740
7
Southwark
£1,409,105
8
Bristol
£1,265,641
9
Edinburgh
£1,186,458
10
Liverpool
£1,166,222
Alicia Hempsted, Car Insurance Expert at MoneySuperMarket, says: “Bus lanes and gates are an important part of our road infrastructure, so it’s important to keep them clear of cars and allow them to flow freely, particularly during busy periods.However, for many drivers, a brief lapse of attention or navigating an unfamiliar street can have expensive consequences.
“PCNs are civil penalties, rather than criminal notices, so unlike offences for speeding or drink-driving, they won’t have any impact on your car insurance. If you do receive a PCN for a bus lane or gate infringement, you should try to address it as soon as possible as fines are often reduced by 50% if they’re settled within 14 to 21 days, though this does vary between locations.
“You should always review the details of the PCN carefully before paying it to confirm they are correct. You can dispute a PCN by contacting the issuing council or TfL, which you should do as soon as possible if you feel it’s incorrect.
“However, if you fail to pay a PCN within the given time period, these can be escalated to a County Court judgment or bailiff action, which could show up on credit checks in the future.”
On World Suicide Prevention Day, 10th September, venues across Edinburgh’s iconic skyline joined landmarks across Scotland in lighting up green to raise awareness of suicide prevention and Samaritans’ charity.
Buildings and landmarks across Scotland united in shining a light on suicide prevention and the support available for people in crisis on Thursday. In Edinburgh, Museum on the Mound, Camera Obscura and the Balmoral Hotel were some of those landmarks shining green, Samaritans’ well-known colour.
Joining the venues were Lerwick Town Hall in Shetland; Discovery Point in Dundee; Stirling Castle, Glasgow Science Centre; the Kelpies; Marischal College and King’s College in Aberdeen.
Samaritans is the charity that prevents suicide through human connection, and this World Suicide Prevention Day, the charity’s message to people in Scotland is that you don’t have to be an expert to save someone’s life. Small, everyday interruptions and actions could help someone who is suicidal by distracting them from their thoughts.
It could be a face-to-face conversation, a phone call, a text or any other way of connecting with someone. It could be as simple as asking someone you’re worried about if they are OK, perhaps making a positive comment on something you notice about them (for example, their shoes or coat), or even giving them something to touch or hold, which can help to distract somebody and help them feel grounded.
For Paul, 45, an unexpected interruption from a taxi driver simply asking if he was OK was all it took to change the course of his life:
“That taxi driver probably doesn’t know the impact he had that day or how much it helped me,” said Paul. “It seems a bit dramatic to say I wouldn’t be here if it wasn’t for that conversation, but that is the reality. It shows that anyone can save a life, just by showing that they care.”
After struggling to balance a high-pressure job and family life, Paul reached crisis point and decided to take his own life. But a passing taxi driver stopped and got out to check on him.
“I had started to feel like I was the root cause of every problem and if I removed myself, then that would fix everything. I felt tired, burnt out and broken. I decided I was going to take my own life.”
“I was crossing the road when the taxi stopped me. I suspect the driver initially thought it was some idiot not paying attention, but he must’ve recognised that something wasn’t right. He got out to check if I was OK and said something like, ‘You need to talk to someone.’”
“So, I called Samaritans. I don’t remember much about that call, but they helped me get through the night. They listened and allowed me to offload. It helped me go to bed and try again the next day.”
A life-saving interruption for Paul, and a reminder that an interruption can make an enormous difference when it matters.
A new survey commissioned by Samaritans revealed thatalmost three quarters (74%) of respondents in Scotland felt that society is increasingly being designed to avoid interaction, with just over two in five (43%) saying they interact with people less than they did five years ago.
But despite the direction of travel towards less interaction with others, people still place huge value on human connection.
More people in Scotland say they would prefer to turn to a stranger (50%) than AI (23%) if they needed help – showing that we can all have a role to play in looking out for one another.
It can be difficult to know what to say or do if you think someone may be experiencing a suicidal crisis. Samaritans has put together advice suggested by people with lived experience to help guide others through these moments:
Ask them if they’ve felt like this before and what, if anything, has helped them, and then do something they’ve suggested if possible.
If you feel able to, stay with them and sit quietly, letting them know you’re there if they want to talk.
Do not coerce or force anything on the person. Meet them as they are in that moment.
Let them know they are not alone.
Let them know that an emotion or thought does not last forever. An emotion or thought does not have to define them. It does not need to lead to a decision they can’t reverse.
Ask them what things they care about and what they like.
Samaritans’ Executive Director for Scotland, Neil Mathers, said: “As Scotland glows green on World Suicide Prevention Day, we’re reminded of the power of connection. Each light represents hope, a moment of support, a conversation, and the reminder that Samaritans is here to listen.
“Suicide is preventable. The more openly we talk about suicide, the easier we can make it for people experiencing suicidal thoughts to speak honestly about how they are feeling.
“We’re urging people across Scotland not to be afraid to ask someone if they are feeling suicidal. It can be a difficult conversation, but you don’t need to be an expert or have all the answers. What matters is being there, listening without judgement and showing that you care.”
Every 90 minutes, someone in the UK and Ireland dies by suicide. But suicide isn’t inevitable. This World Suicide Prevention Day, Samaritans is encouraging everyone to be prepared to interrupt if they’re worried someone may be experiencing suicidal thoughts. Find advice on how to start a conversation, listen and support someone at www.samaritans.org/interrupt.
Samaritans provides a vital lifeline for people and communities across Scotland. Our helpline is available for anyone struggling to cope with suicidal thoughts, 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. Anyone can contact Samaritans FREE, any time, from any phone on 116 123, even a mobile without credit. Or you can visit www.samaritans.org.
I welcome the comments made by First Minister John Swinney on the issue of the burqa and, in particular, his clear statement that women should be free to choose what they want to wear (writes FOYSOL CHOUDHURY).
In Scotland, we should be proud of being a diverse and multicultural country where people are free to practise their faith, express their culture, and make their own personal choices without unnecessary interference from the state.
My Work in Parliament
I have consistently raised these vital issues in the Scottish Parliament to ensure our legislation, debates, and public policy reflect our core values of equality, personal autonomy, and human rights. Through parliamentary questions to the Scottish Government, I have formally challenged dangerous proposals to restrict religious dress and pressed Ministers on how they intend to safeguard minority communities.
Specifically, I have raised questions in Parliament pressing Ministers on:
Protecting Civil Liberties: What explicit measures the Scottish Government is taking to protect individual rights and ensure women retain the freedom to choose their own clothing free from state control or harassment.
Community Cohesion: How the Government is monitoring and mitigating the damaging impact that toxic political rhetoric and divisive debates have on minority communities across Scotland.
Tackling Hate Crime: What proactive steps are being taken to ensure women who choose to wear religious garments, such as the burqa or hijab, are protected from discrimination, harassment, and abuse in public spaces.
Stopping Political Hate and Division
It is deeply alarming to see some politicians actively using the floor of Parliament and public platforms to spread hate, target specific religious groups, and divide our communities.
When politicians play politics with people’s identity and faith, it is not harmless debate — it is dangerous, and it needs to be stopped.
Inciting Hatred and Division: Rhetoric that singles out Muslim women normalises Islamophobia and prejudice. It signals to the wider public that certain groups are acceptable targets for hostility.
Fueling Abuse on the Streets: Words spoken in Parliament have real-world consequences. Inflammatory political debates directly increase the risk of verbal and physical harassment faced by minority women in their everyday lives.
Undermining Democratic Trust: Politics should be about bringing people together to solve shared problems. When politicians use their platform to pit communities against one another, it erodes social trust and weakens the democratic principles of equality and mutual respect.
The Real Impact of Ban Proposals
Proposals to ban or restrict religious dress do not liberate anyone, they actively harm the women they purport to discuss.
Increasing Isolation: Rather than empowering women, dress bans risk forcing visually identifiable Muslim women out of public life, restricting their access to education, employment, and public services due to heightened fears for their safety.
Eroding Freedom for Everyone: Allowing the government or political parties to dictate what women can or cannot wear sets a dangerous precedent that undermines fundamental bodily autonomy and religious freedom for all citizens.
A Scotland Built on Freedom and Equality
For many women, religious and cultural clothing is an important part of their identity and faith. This is not unique to Muslim communities. Scotland is home to people from many different ethnic, cultural, and religious backgrounds, all of whom contribute enormously to the country we share.
We must reject attempts by politicians to divide us. We should be having a conversation about freedom, equality, and choice, not using the parliament to tell women what they can and cannot wear.
Women must have the right to decide what they wear for themselves. That freedom must apply equally to everyone, whether someone chooses to wear a burqa, hijab, turban, traditional cultural dress, or no religious clothing at all.
Scotland is strongest when everyone can feel that they belong.
Diversity is a strength to be celebrated, and protecting people’s freedom to express their faith and culture is fundamental to building a fair, safe, and inclusive society.
Foysol Choudhury MBE is a former Member of the Scottish Parliament & Shadow Minister for Culture, Europe and International Development
After 20 years of independent cultural journalism and with a very heavy heart, we have to tell you that September’s edition of The Skinny is our final issue as Radge Media CIC, the company which publishes The Skinny as well as Fest and GNAW magazines, has ceased operations.
Firstly, we would like to extend our gratitude to everyone who has been involved with The Skinny over these two decades. The dedication, skill and care of every writer, editor, photographer, illustrator, proofreader, designer, salesperson and member of the team has made this magazine what it is. Thank you all for everything you’ve done to create an incredible legacy.
We have always drawn motivation from the energy and talent of Scotland’s creative community, even when the work has been hard and we have faced struggles, difficulties and real challenges. To Scotland’s artists, musicians, authors, theatremakers, actors, DJs, filmmakers, party-throwers and creatives, thank you all for sharing your work with us and for letting us share it with the world.
We are devastated that our work has come to such a sudden end. We have not been immune to the economic difficulties in the Scottish arts and despite our very best efforts, funding pressures across the sector, rising costs and the ongoing cost-of-living crisis have contributed to an increasingly challenging situation.
The Skinny is a key asset to Scottish cultural life, but it was produced by a small team with all the challenges that entails. We did the best we could with the resources at our disposal, and we can only apologise to our readers, colleagues and advertisers for making such a sudden exit, but we have been unable to find a way to continue the work at this time.
This may be the end for The Skinny, but it’s not the end of what we believe in: the power of independent journalism, the value of art and creativity, and the importance of print media.
The Skinny has offered something very important and valuable to Scotland’s cultural scene and none of us wanted or expected things to end this way. The closure of this business does nothing to change our belief in the need for a vibrant Scottish media that connects with our communities, and our faith in print as a vehicle to share new stories with audiences.
Finally, thank you to all of our readers, whether you have been here from the start or are seeing our work for the very first time. If you have ever picked up a copy in a bar or read it on the bus, pored over our reviews, found a new favourite night out in the listings, shared our work online or fired up our newsletter, we really do appreciate it.
Even in dark times, there is still a wealth of vibrant, creative and exciting art being created across Scotland, and dozens of scenes and movements worth championing. That drive and spirit has inspired and invigorated us at The Skinny so many times over the years – let’s all do what we can to help that continue.
Feel free to share this statement far and wide; we only ask that you attribute the words to ‘The Skinny’ and repeat what we’re saying in good faith. For any further media enquiries, please contact Peter on peter@theskinny.co.uk
Four ultramarathons and London Marathon planned for The Yard
AN EDINBURGH mum is preparing to cover more than 300 miles in 2027 for a beloved Scottish disability charity.
Katie Fairbairn, 36, will take on four ultramarathons and the London Marathon during the 40th anniversary year of The Yard, which supports disabled children, young people and their families across Scotland.
A mum of three young boys, Katie has gone from completing her first ultramarathons earlier this year to building an Instagram community of nearly 7,000 followers and being selected as a Rat Race ambassador for 2027.
Katie said: “I’m not an elite athlete. I’m an ordinary mum of three who decided to find out what might happen if I kept putting one foot in front of the other.
“I never imagined that would lead to completing a 70-mile and 100-mile ultramarathon, becoming a Rat Race ambassador and signing up for five huge challenges in a single year.
“Balancing training with family life, work and a new business won’t be easy, but The Yard is a charity that means a great deal to us and that will keep me going when things get tough.
“Its 40th anniversary feels like the perfect opportunity to celebrate everything it has achieved and help ensure more families can benefit from its support in the years ahead.”
Before her recent challenges, the only organised running event Katie had completed was a 10K race back in 2008.
This year she completed Rat Race’s 70-mile The Wall ultramarathon and the 100-mile Castle to Castle challenge from Edinburgh to Glamis, raising close to £4,500 for charities including Held In Our Hearts and The Yard.
Through her Instagram account, @frommummytoultra, Katie shares the realities of balancing endurance training with work, family life and everyday commitments.
Dan Gerrard, Head of Fundraising at The Yard, said: “As we prepare to celebrate our 40th anniversary, everyone at The Yard is absolutely thrilled to have Katie’s support.
“To complete four ultramarathons and the London Marathon in a single year will be an incredible achievement and we could not be more proud of her. The Yard provides vital opportunities, support and inclusive play for disabled children, young people and their families across Scotland, and we simply couldn’t do that without champions like Katie.
“She is an inspiration and we’ll be right behind her every step of the way. We hope as many people as possible will support her challenge and help us continue delivering life-changing services for families across Scotland.”
Founded in Edinburgh in 1987, The Yard provides inclusive play, family support and community services for disabled children and young people from birth to age 25. The charity operates centres in Edinburgh, Dundee, Glasgow and Kirkcaldy, alongside outreach services supporting families in communities across Scotland.
Each year, thousands of children, young people and family members benefit from The Yard’s services, which provide opportunities to play, build confidence, form friendships and access support in a safe and welcoming environment.
Rat Race is one of the UK’s best-known adventure and endurance event organisers, staging challenges across the country ranging from ultramarathons to multi-day expeditions.
As a Rat Race ambassador, Katie will help promote events, share her experiences with fellow participants and encourage others to take on challenges they may never have thought possible.
IRN-BRU UNLEASH GIRDER-POWERED GETAWAY GRANNIES IN EDINBURGH FOR 125TH ANNIVERSARY
Granny Tourismo will see the public hunt down pensioners on mobility scooters in three secret locations across Edinburgh next week (Wednesday 16 September).
Fans will have to be quick to find the getaway gran, with cryptic clues shared on social media revealing where to find her.
National Treasure and ‘the nation’s granny’ Amanda Barrie has helped launch the huge giveaway, which takes place across the UK.
EDINBURGH punters are being challenged to chase down a getaway granny on a mobility scooter, with twelve wads of £125 up for grabs.
A top-secret, balaclava-clad pensioner will hit the streets of the capital on Wednesday, September 16, as part of IRN-BRU’s “Granny Tourismo” challenge.
The mystery gran will be hiding at three secret locations somewhere in Edinburgh aboard a souped-up mobility scooter complete with blue flame racing stripes.
And the first four people to track her down in each location before she makes her escape will each pocket £125.
Cryptic clues revealing her whereabouts will be dropped on IRN-BRU’s social media channels on the day, meaning Edinburgh fans will have to move fast if they want to get their hands on the cash.
The stunt is part of the fizzy drink giant’s 125th anniversary celebrations and is inspired by its infamous granny adverts.
Coronation Street and Carry On legend Amanda Barrie is leading the charge after admitting she knows a thing or two about “causing chaos”.
The 91-year-old national treasure is fronting the UK-wide “Catch Me If You Gran” campaign, which will see a crew of nimble nans descend on Glasgow, Edinburgh, Liverpool and London.
But Edinburgh gets its chance to catch a cash-carrying gran on Wednesday, just 24 hours after the challenge kicks off in Glasgow.
Amanda played Alma Baldwin – previously Halliwell and Sedgewick – for more than 20 years in Coronation Street and starred as Cleo in the classic Carry On Cleo. She said: “After all those years in the UK’s top soap and my Carry On capers, I know a thing or two about causing chaos.
“Then there was my time reeking havoc in Larkhill Prison, not to mention taking a swipe at Gordon Ramsay on national TV. But even I struggle to keep up with these BRU grannies.
“They’ve traded shopping trolleys for mobility scooters and they’re determined not to be caught. If you do manage to stop one, you’ve definitely earned your £125.”
The stunt brings IRN-BRU’s iconic shoplifting granny to life more than two decades after she first caused havoc on TV screens.
The brand’s classic 2001 “Electric Lady” advert featured a sweet-looking elderly woman cruising through town on a mobility scooter before pulling down her tea-cosy hat like a balaclava and raiding a shop for cans of IRN-BRU.
Now the getaway gran is being unleashed for real, and Edinburgh residents have the chance to catch her.
The Scottish capital is the second stop on the four-city tour, following Glasgow on Tuesday, September 15.
Liverpool gets its turn on Thursday, September 17, before the grannies make their final getaway in London on Friday, September 18.
Kenny Nicholson, Director of Brand at IRN-BRU, said: “To celebrate our anniversary, we’ve brought to life one of our greatest characters.
“The IRN-BRU grannies are out in force next week, revving their scooters and ready to hit the road.
“Fans will need to be quick as they won’t be in each of the four cities for long before they make a speedy getaway to the next one.
“This is one of the many ways we’re giving back to the nation as we mark 125 years of Made in Scotland from Girders.”
Applications for LeithChooses 2026/27 still open – but just 4 weeks left to apply!
Constituted community groups are invited to apply for project funding of up to £5,000. As usual, projects should be new or adding new value (not continued funding of an existing service) that will be of benefit to the community in Leith.
Projects should be designed to start after 31st March 2027 and run until March 2028 at the latest. The theme for this year is ‘Greater Leith Harmony’ and the deadline for applications is 12th October 2026.
We welcome your applications using our online form at:
If you have any questions or would like any support with your application, please get in touch as soon as possible to allow time for discussions, by email at: leithchooses@edinburgh.gov.uk.
There’s still time to register for our final online applicant information session on 30 September 2026, 5.30pm to 6.30pm – Register to attend
We look forward to hearing your ideas for new projects.
Over 2300 children took part in Scotland’s biggest outdoor learning event in Edinburgh this week.
Primary six pupils from 49 schools across the city enjoyed over 40 activities delivered by 30 partner organisations, each giving their time for free.
The Outdoor Learning Challenge took place over September 8-9 at Holyrood Park, and saw pupils try their hand at activities including mountain biking, archery, drumming, survival skills and campfires.
The event was organised and led by the City of Edinburgh Council’s Outdoor Learning and Adventure Education Team and delivered in partnership with Dynamic Earth Science Centre and Planetarium, Historic Environment Scotland Ranger Service in Holyrood Park, and Moray House School of Education and Sport, University of Edinburgh.
Organisations including Edinburgh Zoo, Royal Botanical Gardens Edinburgh and Holyrood Palace led workshops with the activities altered to suit children of all abilities, including those with physical or learning disablities.
Councillor James Dalgleish, Education, Children and Families Convener, said:“The Outdoor Challenge is a fantastic event, I had a great time today learning new skills and meeting lots of children, teachers, staff and partners.
“We were lucky to have a sun-filled two days at Holyrood Park and thousands of young people enjoyed dozens of activites, many pushing themselves out their comfort zones.
“Bringing learning outdoors is vital to improve mental and physical health as well as help our young people learn how nature and the outdoor connects to their lives.
“I was particularly impressed with how the activities were altered to allow children of all abilities to take part and the teamwork on show from our young people was stellar.
“Thanks to the partners and providers who brought their skill and expertise to Holyrood Park for a brilliant couple of days for all involved.”
The family of ayoung Scottish mum who lost her life to bowel cancer earlier this year is taking on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk this weekend to raise vital funds for Bowel Cancer UK, the UK’s leading bowel cancer charity.
Various members of Abigail Millar’s close family will be taking on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk this Sunday 13th September after she sadly died from bowel cancer on 12th May this year aged just 41, leaving behind her husband Ross Millar and their two young children Gregor and Katie.
All funds raised by the team, named Abigail’s Star Team, will go towards supporting Bowel Cancer UK’s work to save lives and improve the quality of life of everyone affected by bowel cancer.
At the time of writing, the team has raised over £3,000 for the charity, with donations still streaming in.
“Abigail was a much-loved member of our family whose kindness, warmth, and spirit touched everyone who knew her,” Abigail’s cousin, Fiona Durkin said on the family’s JustGiving page.
“Her loss has left a huge gap in our lives, and she is remembered every day with love and affection.
“By taking on this sponsored walk, we hope to honour Abigail’s memory, raise awareness of bowel cancer, and support the vital work being done to improve research, treatment, and early diagnosis.”
Abigail, who was originally from Corstorphine in Edinburgh before settling in Botley, Hampshire with her husband and children, first visited her GP with abdominal pain in October 2024, thinking there was a problem with her ovaries.
She gave a stool sample, was referred for a colonoscopy and was subsequently diagnosed with bowel cancer on 6th December 2024.
She underwent surgery in January 2025 where part of her colon was removed and was relieved not to need a stoma. She and her family thought she was through the worst, particularly with doctors thinking that they had managed to catch her cancer early enough.
“Following surgery Abigail’s cancer staging results came through and that is when the bombshell hit us,” Abigail’s husband Ross said. “She was told that she had stage 3 cancer and needed to have some preventative chemotherapy.”
Three months into chemotherapy, doctors told Abigail that her cancer had spread due to a genetic mutation, it was aggressive and couldn’t be cured but could be managed.
In March 2026, Abigail and her family were told that her cancer was terminal. She enjoyed the time she had left with her family before passing away at home with them by her side on 12th May 2026.
Abigail’s family are now determined to continue her legacy of fundraising for bowel cancer. Abigail’s husband Ross is now in training to complete a series of fundraising events to support Bowel Cancer UK.
Abigail and Ross’s son has always wanted to be a doctor, and this sad experience has solidified his focus on this goal, with the ultimate aim of helping other people in similar situations.
“Abigail and I spent 20 years of our lives together – she had such a zest for life,” Ross said. “She was bright, funny, fiercely loyal, and devoted to her family. She was a beautiful soul and created so many great moments in life for all those fortunate enough to be around her.
“It was one of Abigail’s wishes to raise awareness of bowel cancer, particularly because cases are rising in younger people like her.
“Sadly, she can’t do that now, but I can, our children can, and our family can. If her story helps someone get an early diagnosis or saves a life, her message will have done what it needs to do.”
Jenny Poulter, Events Fundraising Manager for Bowel Cancer UK, said: “We’re incredibly grateful to Abigail’s family for sharing her story with us and selecting Bowel Cancer UK as their chosen charity as they take on the Edinburgh Kiltwalk in her memory.
“Every 11 minutes someone is diagnosed with bowel cancer, making it the UK’s fourth most common cancer. The money raised by Abigail’s Star Team will help us continue to raise awareness of the disease and its symptoms, provide expert information and support to patients and their families, fund vital research, and campaign for early diagnosis and access to best treatment and care.
“We hope that Ross and the rest of Abigail’s family know the difference that their support will make, and we wish them all the best for their walk. We’re sure that Abigail would be immensely proud of their efforts.”
