Active pals raise cash for charity
A bunch of fitness fanatics from Hamilton proved they are as tough as iron with a series of gruelling challenges throughout lockdown.
Members of SG Coaching, a triathlon/running team in the area, have been put through their paces with several iron man style fitness challenges.
Led by international champion triathlete Shona Girdwood, dozens of adults and families ran, sprinted, and cycled their way to top level fitness over six weeks – and raised money for the NHS into the bargain.
Shona set out six weekend challenges and, with participants paying an entry free each time, the group raised £800 for NHS Lanarkshire staff.
Also taking part in online fitness classes and quiz nights, the activities helped maintain contact between friends and allowed the people to look after their mental health too.
Shona said: “The challenge was to keep everyone motivated through a difficult time. It gave the team a purpose to get out and train as they knew they were going to be completing these challenges over the next six weeks.”
After each individual completed their weekend challenge, Shona asked them to post a selfie and their results on the group’s Facebook page.
It created a real buzz online and Shona insisted it “felt like we were all together” despite the lockdown restrictions.
“As the challenges went on they got harder,” said Shona. “This was great as it was taking everyone out of their comfort zones and gave them something big to achieve.
“We also have a few members of the team who are nurses and work for NHS Lanarkshire. This is why we decided to raise funds.
“We put an entry fee on each of the challenges, with the intention of maybe raising £500, but we managed over £800.
“The team will continue to do new challenges which I have set until we can start to take part in events again.”
Participant Dawn Armitt said: “It kept us connected as a group. It’s been fun competing and watching friends get faster and challenge themselves.
“It’s been a bit of normality in the midst of mayhem. Shona has been really encouraging and we appreciate all the effort she has put in.”
Martin O’hara said: “Shona has really kept the full team engaged with weekly challenges, encouraging a safe, varied and fun race for us all.”
Here is the roll of honour for the particpants who completed the challenge: Heather and Stuart Abernethy, Myra Fulton, Barry Clarkson, Lynsey Telford, Martin O’ Hara, Leah Colquhoun, Dawn Armitt, Pete Annandale, Alison Mclaren, Kate Rea, Tom Leewah, Wendy, Olly, Ben and Stuart Gibson, Susan Stewart, Hayley Mcewan, Angie Quate, Alan Cox, Norah Mooney, Ashley, Shay and Carlo Nevans , Derek Boyd, Gary Gibb, Eduardo Fernandez, Diane Mccrory, Lesley Mccranor, Jonathan and Vikki Morrisey, and Scott Mcintyre.