NI man tackles famous seven-day marathon in Sahara desert to raise funds after son's life-threatening diagnosis

A Lisburn man recently completed a 250km Sahara adventure to raise funds for the BHF after his son was diagnosed with a heart condition
Darran Cusick undertook the Marathon des Sables to fundraise for the British Heart Foundation after his teenage son Ashton was diagnosed with a heart condition.
Travelling the world through his work, and being used to working in extreme temperatures for 20 years means Darran was well used to the sun when it came to his ultramarathon participation.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Wales Online

a day ago

• Wales Online

Public Health Wales issues 'stay indoors' heatwave advice as amber alert issued in England

Public Health Wales issues 'stay indoors' heatwave advice as amber alert issued in England The heatwave is forecast to last as temperatures are set to hits highs of 30°C in parts of Wales People are urged to stay indoors or keep in the shade as much as they can during the heatwave (Image: WalesOnline/Rob Browne ) People have been warned to stay indoors in Wales in the hottest part of the day with a heatwave forecast for the next few days. A heatwave is expected to sweep Wales throughout this week heading to the weekend with highs of 30°C in many parts of the country. Across the border the UK Health Security Agency alongside the Met Office has set an amber alert for England, cautioning that a 'rise in deaths is likely' due to the sweltering temperatures. ‌ The warning concerning extreme heat was made effective from 12pm today, Thursday, and is expected to continue until 9am on Monday June 23. For our free daily briefing on the biggest issues facing the nation, sign up to the Wales Matters newsletter here ‌ The UK is bracing itself for soaring temperatures with forecasts predicting highs of 31°C on Thursday and Friday, which could then escalate to 33°C by Saturday, remaining in the low 30s come Sunday, according to the Met Office. Check the latest reports for the hottest parts of Wales and this weekend's weather here. The alerts, indicating possible increased demand on healthcare providers among vulnerable groups, apply across all of England. An official heatwave is confirmed when specific regions experience designated temperatures—ranging from 25°C to 28°C depending on location—for three successive days. 29°C. Dr Agostinho Sousa, head of extreme events and health protection at UKHSA, said: 'We have already seen warm weather across the week, and temperatures are set to increase in the coming days, exceeding 30°C in many areas. Article continues below 'Our findings show that heat can result in serious health outcomes across the population, especially for older adults or those with pre-existing health conditions. It is therefore important to check on friends, family and neighbours who are more vulnerable and to take sensible precautions while enjoying the sun. 'The forecasted high temperatures may also lead to an increasing demand for remote health care services and an impact on the ability of services delivered due to heat effects on the work force.'' Numerous charities are stepping up with guidance as the temperature rises. Among them, the British Heart Foundation (BHF) urges individuals, particularly those with heart conditions, to adopt precautionary measures to sidestep potential health dangers during periods of intense heat. ‌ Senior cardiac nurse at the BHF, Ruth Goss, warned: "You can be at greater risk from the heat if you have a heart condition, as high temperatures can put extra strain on your heart. "Elderly people and very young children have more difficulty regulating their temperature and so can be more at risk from extreme temperatures. In hot weather, check on your friends and relatives regularly to make sure they are cool and comfortable. "The most important way you can protect your heart in the heat is to stay cool and keep hydrated." ‌ Age UK has called for people to check on older family members, friends, and neighbours to ensure they're coping with the sweltering conditions. Caroline Abrahams, the charity's director, highlighted the increased dangers during a heatwave: "The heat is expected to build during the week, becoming hottest at the weekend and as temperatures rise, those with long-term health conditions impacting their heart, lungs or kidneys can be at extra risk." She went on to explain that age makes it more difficult to adjust to extreme heat. "Generally, our bodies find it harder to adapt to more extreme temperatures as we age. "Heat exhaustion, dehydration, and heat stroke can all worsen certain conditions, increasing strain on the body, and some medications make us more susceptible to hot weather." ‌ Public Health Wales is also warning people to take care in the heat. It is advising people to stay hydrated by drinking water regularly, apply sunscreen with SPF 30+ and staying in the shade or indoors between 11am and 3pm. People should also and wear loose, light clothing and keep their homes cool by closing curtains or blinds on windows that get direct sun. ️People are also being asked to check neighbours, older people, babies, and anyone living alone. Met Office forecast for Wales Forecasters say it will be dry and hot for many, thunderstorms possible on Saturday. ‌ Thursday evening and Tonight: Very warm and sunny this evening but turning increasingly hazy and cloudier later. Mainly dry overnight but a few showers are possible in the west, with flashes of lightning possible. Staying warm with gusty easterly winds developing in the southwest. Minimum temperature 17°C. Friday ‌ Somewhat cloudier than Thursday with isolated showers at first. Otherwise mainly dry with sunny periods developing. Feeling hot in the sunshine though breezier than on Thursday. Very high pollen levels. Maximum temperature 30°C. Saturday and Sunday Showers possible more widely on Saturday, these thundery in places, though still sunny periods for many. Fresher on Sunday and Monday with isolated showers and warm sunny spells. Often breezy. ‌ According to Met Office deputy chief meteorologist Dan Holley, heat will be the "dominant story" around the UK as a whole, with temperatures reaching heatwave levels in certain parts of the UK. He stated: "Saturday is expected to be the peak of this hot spell, with temperatures fairly widely reaching into the low 30 Celsius across parts of England, with high 20s likely as far north as northern and eastern Scotland. It will also be very warm at night over the weekend, with the potential for a few places to experience a 'tropical night', when temperatures do not drop below 20C." Some areas in northern and western regions may experience thundery showers on Friday and throughout the weekend. However, towards the end of the weekend and the start of the following week, temperatures are expected to drop due to the arrival of fresher conditions, which might also bring more unsettled weather, as mentioned by the forecaster. Article continues below

Daily Mirror

a day ago

• Daily Mirror

Ex-Premier League star in feud with furious neighbours over family home plans

Ex-Norwich striker Dean Ashton, 41, has clashed with his residents over extension plans for his £525,000 home in the heart of the city's Golden Triangle Former Premier League ace Dean Ashton has been blasted by his neighbours - before even moving into his new home. The ex- Norwich striker, 41, has clashed with his residents over extension plans for his £525,000 home in the heart of Norwich's Golden Triangle. ‌ He has faced a backlash over an application he submitted to extend the property in Cambridge Street, which is currently sitting empty. ‌ The plans were met with objections from neighbouring properties, with locals fearing the works would harm the appearance of the Victorian terraces, according to a report by the EDP. And a design team at City Hall said the proposals were "obtrusive" and "overwhelming". Despite these complaints, the planning department at Norwich City Council agreed to approve Mr Ashton's application, much to the frustration of those living nearby. READ MORE: Kylian Mbappe hospitalised as Real Madrid issue update on struggling star's health The plans include a single-storey rear extension, a dormer and steps at the front of the house to lead to the basement. The size of the extension was reduced after objections were lodged to the original proposals but the concerns of neighbours and council officers were not assuaged. Comments on the application said it would visually intrude on surrounding properties in a "brutal fashion" and one person described it as an "ugly eyesore". An objection by the conservation and design team at Norwich City Council said: "The cumulative massing of the proposed development is overwhelming for a terraced property of this size. "It is considered to cause harm to the overall character of the area." ‌ Mr Ashton said he was not aware of concerns raised by neighbours and stressed the application was approved through the correct process. He said the property would be a "family home" for him, his wife, Gemma, who is a netball coach, and their children. Mr Ashton now works as football pundit but was a former England international who played for Canaries from 2005 to 2006. During his career he made 248 appearances, scoring 93 goals. He played for three clubs throughout his career, including Crewe Alexander and West Ham.

The Independent

a day ago

• The Independent

Amber heat health warnings issued across England — this is what it means

The UK Health Security Agency (UKHSA) has issued an amber heat-health alert for the entire country. The alert is active from 12pm Thursday to 9am Monday, warning of a likely rise in deaths among vulnerable people. Temperatures are expected to reach 31C on Thursday and Friday, peaking at 33C on Saturday, with similar high temperatures on Sunday. All regions in England are at high risk, anticipating significant impacts across health and social care services. Charities including the British Heart Foundation, Age UK, and Dementia UK have provided advice for vulnerable groups, emphasizing hydration and checking on older relatives.