Rugby ace dies during triathlon
Former team-mates of Glasgow star pay tribute after shocking news from Singapore
A FORMER rugby star died yesterday while competing in a triathlon.
Steve Begley, 42, who was a key member of the Glasgow squad when the team turned professional in the mid-90s, took ill during the swimming leg of the Singapore international triathlon. He was pulled from the water by rescue crews but paramedics were unable to save him.
Glenn Metcalfe, who helped Scotland reach the 2003 World Cup quarter-finals, was among shocked former team-mates to pay tribute last night.
He said: “Steve was the first guy I met when I arrived in Glasgow from New Zealand in 1996. We shared a flat and went on to play many games of rugby for Glasgow Accies, Hawks and Glasgow.
“He quickly welcomed my wife Lisa and me with that friendly, ultra-sociable personality.
“He was a larger-than-life character who was always fun to be around. He was a mate to everyone and a pleasure to have known.
“We have some very fond memories of our time with Steve, most of them involving a drink or a dance – or both at the same time!
“He was one of life’s fun guys and I will miss the big geezer.”
Former Hawks president Chas Afuakwah, another regular team-mate of utility forward Begley, said: “The news was hard to believe.
“Steve had just taken up rugby again after a spell out of the sport and he had taken part in several triathlons.
“I remember him as a very abrasive player – the kind of guy you like to have in your team. But he was a lovely guy and great company.
“Steve was one of the initial tranche of players signed up by Glasgow when rugby turned pro. He also helped the Hawks win the Premiership and Cup double in 1998.
“In addition, he was in the squad that pulled off the remarkable victory over French giants Toulouse at Anniesland.
“The thoughts of everyone in the rugby community in Scotland, and Glasgow in particular, are with Steve’s brother Matt and the rest of his family.”
Unmarried Begley moved to Singapore 10 years ago to pursue a career in financial services.
The Singapore international triathlon involves a 2km swim, followed by a 65km cycle and a 16km run.
A Triathlon Association of Singapore spokesman said: “We are deeply saddened to confirm the death of a competitor during the swim portion of the event.
“Immediate medical assistance and resuscitation was commenced at the site before the competitor was transported to Singapore General Hospital.
“Sadly, he could not be revived. All our prayers are with his family at this time.” are trips to the chemist to pick up medication, getting to supermarkets for shopping and attending support groups.
“Pretty quickly the allowance is gone, and financial help with public transport would make all the difference.”
Amanda set up a petition on Change.org to lobby the Scottish Government to offer free concessionary travel for carers.
It has attracted almost 3000 signatures – and backing from charities including Enable Scotland and Alzheimer Scotland.
People with a disability can apply for a companion card but a carer can only travel for free if the person they are looking after is present.
Amanda said: “Nine out of 10 times a carer is on their own while travelling, so the companion card is useless at this point.
“My mum was moved from one hospital to another at short notice due to a lack of specialist care.
“There were times when I had to go without food or walk for miles and miles just so I could visit.
“Mum would get confused and call out for her parents. Having family by her side helped her to feel safe and secure.”
Amanda, who was 18 when she became Jeanette’s carer, said it was hard