'People don't train for cancer' - fitness coach raises over £8,000 for hospice

A PERSONAL trainer from Carlisle has completed an 'emotional' seven day challenge and raised £8,600 in memory of his dad.
Barrie Mark Scougal, 49, who owns Barrie Mark Personal Training in Harraby decided to fundraise and honour the team at Eden Valley Hospice who cared for his dad, Tony Scougal, and Jigsaw, Cumbria's Children's Hospice.
Tony died in June last year after a battle with cancer.
Barrie said: 'It's an emotional day today but it was worth it to have raised so much. It's amazing.
'You see so much about the Eden Valley Hospice on social media, or can drive past it so many times, but until you experience it and meet the staff, you never truly understand.
'You never know when you might need it and to be able to help the hospice keep their doors open is amazing.'
Barrie kick-started his week of fitness challenges with a 10km swim on Monday, May 26 at Bannatyne's gym after coaching from Myles Little.
READ MORE: Eden Valley Hospice to host walking group in Chances Park next month
Barrie's mum and dad. (Image: Supplied) He said: 'My kids and wife swim like fish, and I couldn't! I'd never swam more than 3,000 metres. It took me four and a half hours to complete, and I loved it.'
On Wednesday Mark honoured both his mum and dad by learning their favourite dance, the foxtrot. He took part in around five hours of intensive training and Let's Dance in the city, where his parents used to take their classes.
He then performed in front of a group of 40 people, including his young daughters.
Barrie said: 'I don't dance! This day was probably the worst of all because I wanted to do it justice. I didn't realise that the foxtrot was one of the hardest. I wouldn't have got a ten from Len but it was a laugh.'
READ MORE: Two friends set off on journey from Edinburgh to Rome for Carlisle's veteran charity
Barrie (left) and the team from Let's Dance. (Image: Supplied) In between challenge days, Barrie hosted full days of coaching clients back to back.
To end the week, Barrie took his dad on 'one last run' and completed a half-marathon in his honour – carrying his ashes in his backpack. Tony was a keen runner who took part in 50 half-marathons and 25 full-distance marathons throughout his life.
When he finished the run, Barrie was greeted by over 50 people who were cheering him on.
Barrie on his run with support from family and friends. (Image: Supplied) He added: 'I hate running. I didn't train, I didn't train for any of the challenges because people don't train for cancer or radiotherapy or chemotherapy. This is all for a higher purpose.
'I wanted to use my business and my platform to do good and give back to the city.
'My wife thinks I'm mad! My kids have gone to school today telling all their friends about it. To me, it's all about family. They're the most important in my life. If they're proud, I can go to sleep happy.
'Thank you to everyone who has donated, texted, commented and supported me. The response has been phenomenal!'
Barrie's JustGiving page for Eden Valley Hospice is still online, you can donate here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/barrie-mark-6?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL

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