Carlisle man begins seven day challenge in memory of ‘real life hero'
A PERSONAL trainer from Carlisle is beginning a seven day challenge this week in memory of his dad.
Barrie Mark Scougal, 49, who owns Barrie Mark Personal Training in Harraby, set off this morning (Monday, 26 May) on a 10km swim.
He has a whole host of other physical challenges planned to raise money and honour the team at Eden Valley Hospice who cared for his dad, Tony Scougal, and Jigsaw, Cumbria's Children's Hospice.
Tony, who Barrie describes as a 'real life hero', died in June last year after a battle with cancer.
Barrie and his dad, Tony. (Image: Supplied) Barrie said: 'In his final days, Eden Valley Hospice gave him peace, dignity, and comfort. They also gave my family a place of safety and compassion during an incredibly painful time.
'To say thank you—and to support the many other families who will need this kind of care—I'm taking on a week of fitness challenges.
'Whether it's running, lifting, swimming, dancing or coaching, I'll be putting my heart into every challenge.'
READ MORE: Penrith woman 'inundated' with messages after sharing her endometriosis story
This morning, Barrie began the week with a 10km swim at Bannatyne's gym after coaching from Myles Little. His wife, Marie Scougal and his two daughters were watching on the sidelines with banners.
Marie said: 'I'm so proud, it's amazing. As a couple we have faced so many challenges, but Barrie always finds the positives.
'He's relentless in doing good and it's great to put a spotlight on and shine a light on something so special in the area.'
Tony with his two granddaughters. (Image: Supplied) On Wednesday, 28 May, Barrie plans to honour his parents by learning one of their favourite dances – the foxtrot - and perform it at his gym in the city. They used to have lessons regularly at Let's Dance in Carlisle.
The week will end with Barrie completing a half-marathon, following in his dad's footsteps, who took part in 50 half-marathons and 25 full-distance marathons.
In between challenge days, Barrie will also be hosting full days of coaching clients on the gym floor, training with them and alongside them.
As of now, he has already raised £4,455 of his £5,000 target which Marie says is 'bonkers'.
Eden Valley Hospice added: 'A huge good luck to Barrie. We are honoured Barrie has chosen to support the hospice.'
You can donate to Barrie's JustGiving page here: https://www.justgiving.com/page/barrie-mark-6?utm_medium=FA&utm_source=CL
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Forbes
an hour ago
- Forbes
With Jon Jones Retired, Tom Aspinall Opens As Favorite Over Ciryl Gane
MANCHESTER, ENGLAND - JULY 27: Tom Aspinall of England reacts after his knockout victory against ... More Curtis Blaydes in the interim UFC heavyweight championship bout during the UFC 304 event at Co-op Live on July 27, 2024 in Manchester, England. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images) On Saturday night, UFC CEO Dana White announced that Jon Jones had officially retired from the UFC. White added that with Jones leaving the UFC, Tom Aspinall would be elevated from interim UFC heavyweight champion to undisputed champ. With that, speculation began as to who Aspinall would face in his first defense of that title. Oddsmakers seem to have landed on another former interim UFC heavyweight titleholder as Aspinall's likely opponent. That man is Ciryl Gane. Dana White On Jon Jones Retiring TORONTO, ONTARIO - JANUARY 18: UFC CEO Dana White is seen on stage during the UFC 297 press ... More conference at The Elgin and Winter Garden Theatre Centre on January 18, 2024 in Toronto, Ontario. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC via Getty Images) "Jon Jones called us last night and retired. Jon Jones is officially retired. Tom Aspinall is the heavyweight champion of the UFC," White said during the post-fight press conference following Saturday's UFC Baku fight card. "I obviously feel bad for Tom that he lost all that time and money, but we'll make it up to him," White added. "Tom Aspinall is a good guy. He's been incredible through this whole process that we've gone through. He's been willing to do anything – fight him anywhere at any time and do this. Now he's like, 'I'll fight anybody. Tell me who and I'll fight him.' Aspinall has been great. He's going to be a great heavyweight champion for us and I'm excited to work with him." "International Fight Week starts Monday in Las Vegas," White continued. 'Tom will be in Vegas all week with us, so we'll get together with him and figure out what's next.' UFC Heavyweight Championship Opening Betting Odds: Tom Aspinall Vs. Ciryl Gane Tom Aspinall during the Heavyweight fight at the Co-op Live Arena, Manchester. Picture date: ... More Saturday July 27, 2024. (Photo by Richard Sellers/PA Images via Getty Images) SportsbettingAg jumped on the betting odds for a potential matchup between Tom Aspinall and Ciryl Gane. According to the site, Aspinall opened as the -300 betting favorite over the +250 Gane. Those odds have already shifted. As of this moment, Aspinall is listed at -350, while Gane is a +285 betting underdog. Jon Jones' UFC Heavyweight Legacy NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 16: Jon Jones of the United States of America reacts after his TKO ... More victory against Stipe Miocic of the United States of America in the UFC heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Jeff Bottari/Zuffa LLC) A former UFC light heavyweight champion, Jones last defended that title in February 2020 with a decision win over Dominick Reyes. In August 2020, Jones surrendered that belt. "Just got off the phone with UFC, today I confirm that I'm vacating the light heavyweight championship," Jones wrote on social media. 'It's officially up for grabs. It's been an amazing journey, sincere thank you to all my competition, UFC and most importantly you fans.' When Jones returned to action in Mach 2023, it was as a heavyweight. He defeated Ciryl Gane for the vacant UFC heavyweight title with a submission win. Jones defended the crown once, beating Miocic by TKO in November 2024. Not long after Jones retired, a report from The Albuquerque Journal stated that a criminal summons accused the former UFC champ of leaving the scene of an accident in February, was filed Tuesday in Metropolitan Court. The charge is a a misdemeanor. Tom Aspinall Was The Longest Serving Interim Champion NEW YORK, NEW YORK - NOVEMBER 16: Interim UFC heavyweight champion Tom Aspinall looks on during the ... More UFC heavyweight championship fight during the UFC 309 event at Madison Square Garden on November 16, 2024 in New York City. (Photo by Chris Unger/Zuffa LLC) Aspinall won the interim UFC heavyweight crown in November 2023 with a knockout victory over Sergei Pavlovich at UFC 295. Aspinall took that fight on short notice when the original main event for that card, Jon Jones vs. Stipe Miocic for Jones's heavyweight title was scrapped following an injury to Jones. Despite Aspinall winning the interim crown, UFC CEO Dana White remained steadfast in saying that Jones vs. Miocic was the fight to make. That fight did not take place until November 2024. Jones held on to his belt that night, beating Miocic by TKO in the third round. By that time, Aspinall had already defended his interim crown, scoring a first-round knockout win over Curtis Blaydes at UFC 304 in July 2024. Aspinall, who has not fought since he defeated Blaydes, had been waiting for the title unification bout with Jones since Jones's win over Miocic in November. In late April, Aspinall became the longest-serving UFC interim champion, topping the 535-day reign of Renan Barao, who defended his interim title twice before being named undisputed champion. Ciryl Gane LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - DECEMBER 07: Ciryl Gane of France looks on prior to a heavyweight fight during ... More UFC 310 at T-Mobile Arena on December 07, 2024 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by) Ciryl Gane (13-2) is the No. 2 fighter in the official UFC heavyweight rankings. The 35-year-old French competitor has only lost in UFC title fights, falling to Francis Ngannou by decision in 2022 for the undisputed title, and losing to Jon Jones via submission in 2023 for the vacant belt. Gane did capture the interim heavyweight belt in 2021 with a knockout of Derrick Lewis. In his most recent trip to the Octagon, Gane defeated Alexander Volkov via split decision. That bout took place in December 2024. Gane debuted with the UFC in 2019 following a Muay Thai career. He was 3-0 in MMA when he first fought inside the Octagon. Gane went 7-0 to begin his UFC career. His first loss came in a title unification bout against Ngannou. Gane is likely to move to No. 1 in the UFC rankings when they are updated, as Aspinall is currently in the No. 1 spot. We will have more on who Tom Aspinall will face in his first UFC heavyweight title defense as news breaks.
Yahoo
an hour ago
- Yahoo
Journalist Confirms Newcastle United Forward Wants to Join Liverpool
Liverpool's Anthony Gordon Pursuit Remains Alive but Delayed by Newcastle's Stance Liverpool's well-documented interest in Anthony Gordon has re-entered the transfer discussion, but hopes of a deal this summer are on shaky ground. TBR Football journalist Graeme Bailey offered key insight into the current situation, stating, 'One day I think he probably will end up at Liverpool. Will it be this summer? I very much doubt it.' Advertisement The former Everton winger, now excelling at Newcastle United, has long been admired by Anfield's hierarchy. Still just 24, Gordon impressed in the 2024-25 season with nine goals and seven assists from 42 appearances. Photo: IMAGO Bailey revealed: 'But Liverpool is his preferred option… to get Gordon out of Newcastle, I think it's highly highly unlikely.' Despite rival interest from Chelsea and Arsenal, it's clear where Gordon's heart lies. The fact that he grew up a Liverpool supporter adds emotional weight to a potential move, and it's a factor that could tip the scales in the Reds' favour should Newcastle soften their stance in future windows. Newcastle's Financial Balancing Act At the heart of this transfer narrative is Newcastle's own financial situation. Bailey touched on the delicate nature of their current squad management, suggesting potential movement could be dictated by off-pitch pressure. Advertisement 'They think Newcastle will have to do something… that may be where it ties in our Joelinton story – if Newcastle have got to sell someone big, do you sell Joelinton to Saudi Arabia?' This hints that Gordon's availability may hinge not on his own desire, but on how Newcastle navigate FFP and possible squad restructuring. The Magpies insist they are under no pressure to sell, but whispers from across the Premier League hint otherwise. If Newcastle are forced into a big-money departure, players like Joelinton — with lucrative interest from Saudi clubs — could be sacrificed to preserve assets like Gordon. However, should those deals stall, the door to a Gordon exit might creak open. Tactical Fit Under Slot Gordon's profile makes him a logical fit for Arne Slot's Liverpool. Slot's dynamic, high-energy system demands wide forwards who can press aggressively, break lines with pace, and offer cutting edge in the final third. Gordon ticks every box. Advertisement While Gordon has primarily operated from the left at Newcastle, he is also comfortable on the right or in more central roles. That versatility could be vital as Liverpool prepare for potential squad changes, including the possible departure of Luis Diaz. Photo: IMAGO Diaz's links to Barcelona and PSG have left uncertainty hanging over Liverpool's left flank. Bringing in someone like Gordon — a Premier League-proven winger with clear upside — would offer both continuity and evolution under Slot. Waiting Game Likely to Continue As things stand, Liverpool's interest remains strong, but Newcastle's reluctance to sell means a move is improbable this summer. Bailey's view is consistent with what we've heard before: this transfer could be one for 2026, not 2025. Advertisement The path to Anfield is open for Gordon — just not clear of obstacles. 'This is not the first time we've been named as Gordon's preferred destination and it won't be the last.' Liverpool fans may need to be patient, but the feeling persists that this story isn't over. Our View – Anfield Index Analysis It's clear from Graeme Bailey's reporting that Gordon wants Liverpool, and from a fan's viewpoint, that's half the battle won. When a player with Premier League pedigree and a clear love for the club wants to make the switch, it's always worth keeping tabs. His numbers last season were solid, especially when compared to what our current wide options delivered. Nine goals and seven assists in a team that lacked consistency shows Gordon can make an impact — and at 24, he's only getting better. Advertisement The issue here isn't talent or fit — it's timing. Newcastle won't sell unless forced, and if they can cash in on Joelinton instead, they'll likely do so. That said, Luis Diaz's situation still feels like the domino that could shift priorities. If he goes, Liverpool need to respond — and Gordon is probably the most 'Liverpool-style' winger currently in the league. Slot will want players who can press, run, and create, and Gordon is moulded for that. Whether we wait a year or not, it's clear that Liverpool haven't ended their pursuit — they're just biding their time.
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Yahoo
Spurs ‘Considering' Move to Re-Sign Former Defender in Smart Move
Tottenham Eye Walker-Peters Return in Potential Transfer Masterstroke Tottenham Hotspur may be set to pull off one of the savviest moves of the summer transfer window, with reports suggesting a return for Southampton full-back Kyle Walker-Peters is being considered. As revealed by TeamTalk, Spurs are exploring the possibility of bringing the 28-year-old back to north London, a development that could prove a low-risk, high-reward signing for new manager Thomas Frank. Advertisement Alasdair Gold, a respected journalist with a strong track record of inside Spurs knowledge, stated: 'The one I do believe they have considered for this summer is Kyle Walker-Peters… I think he has a couple of England caps as well.' Having racked up over 200 appearances for the Saints and remaining a consistent Premier League performer even during challenging seasons, Walker-Peters presents a compelling case for a free agent addition. His versatility is another attractive factor, with Gold noting: 'He's club-trained, he can play on both sides, and from my understanding I think he would love to come back to Spurs as well, they're his boyhood club.' Frank's Spurs Revolution Begins to Take Shape With Thomas Frank now at the helm following the departure of Ange Postecoglou, Spurs are entering a new era. Though full-back may not be an immediate area of concern thanks to the presence of Destiny Udogie and Pedro Porro, the opportunity to sign a Premier League-proven player like Walker-Peters at zero cost is clearly tempting. Advertisement As TeamTalk reports: 'A new full-back isn't a top priority… However, the opportunity to re-sign Walker-Peters… could tempt Spurs into a move.' At 28, Walker-Peters still has plenty to offer, and his ability to cover both flanks would provide Frank with tactical flexibility. This versatility would also be valuable in a season where Spurs will be balancing domestic ambitions with a return to Champions League football. Homegrown Talent Brings More than Just Depth One of the underrated aspects of this potential signing is the homegrown status Walker-Peters holds. In an era of strict squad registration rules in both domestic and European competitions, securing players who meet homegrown criteria is increasingly important. Advertisement His familiarity with the club, style of play, and expectations surrounding Tottenham also means he could settle quickly and contribute from the outset. As Gold aptly put it: 'I can see it as a clever solution.' Photo: IMAGO Furthermore, Walker-Peters' desire to remain in the Premier League, after Southampton's relegation, aligns well with Tottenham's ambitions. Saints Exit Sets Stage for Premier League Return Walker-Peters is set to become a free agent when his Southampton contract expires on June 30, and despite interest from other clubs, including Everton, he remains unattached. TeamTalk writes: 'Everton… decided against a move for the twice-capped England international to focus on Fulham's Kenny Tete.' Advertisement This rejection opens the door for Spurs to step in and bring back a player who not only knows the club, but is still hungry for top-flight success. For Walker-Peters, a return to the club where it all began would represent a narrative-rich next chapter in his career. Our View – EPL Index Analysis From a Tottenham fan's perspective, this has all the hallmarks of a fantastic move. It's pragmatic, emotionally satisfying, and tactically smart. Thomas Frank has already shown at Brentford how he values players with adaptability and strong character, and Kyle Walker-Peters fits that mould perfectly. It's refreshing to see the club targeting players who want to be at Spurs. Walker-Peters was often underrated in his first stint, but his development since moving to the South Coast has been clear. He's tougher, more confident, and much more experienced now. The fact he can play on either side of defence is gold dust in a modern squad. Most importantly, Spurs supporters have grown tired of overpriced, disinterested signings. Bringing back someone who bleeds Lilywhite, someone who understands the expectations and culture, could have an immediate positive impact on squad morale. Plus, in a season where Champions League depth will be key, this is the kind of smart, calculated deal we need to be making. Let's hope Daniel Levy gets it over the line.
