A personal trainer from Carlisle has completed a heartfelt seven-day fitness challenge, raising £8,600 in memory of his late father.
Barrie Mark Scougal, 49, who runs Barrie Mark Personal Training in Harraby, organised the fundraiser to honour the Eden Valley Hospice team who cared for his father, Tony Scougal, and also to support Jigsaw, Cumbria’s Children’s Hospice.
Barrie said, “It’s an emotional day today, but it was worth it to raise so much. It’s amazing. You often see Eden Valley Hospice on social media or drive past it, but until you experience it and meet the staff, you don’t truly understand. You never know when you might need it. Helping the hospice keep its doors open means a lot.”
He began the week with a 10km swim on May 26 at Bannatyne’s gym, coached by Myles Little. Barrie admitted, “My kids and wife swim like fish, and I couldn’t! I had never swum more than 3,000 metres. It took me four and a half hours to finish, and I loved it.”
Midweek, Barrie honoured his parents by learning their favourite dance, the foxtrot. After five hours of intensive training at Let’s Dance in the city—where his parents once took classes—he performed in front of around 40 people, including his young daughters.
He joked, “I don’t dance! This was probably the hardest day because I wanted to do it justice. I didn’t realise the foxtrot was so difficult. I wouldn’t have gotten a ten from Len, but it was a laugh.”
To close the challenge, Barrie completed a half-marathon in honour of his father, carrying Tony’s ashes in his backpack. Tony was an avid runner who completed 50 half-marathons and 25 full marathons during his life.
Barrie said, “I hate running. I didn’t train for any of the challenges because no one trains for cancer or chemotherapy. This is all for a higher purpose. I wanted to use my business and platform to give back to the city. My wife thinks I’m mad! My kids went to school telling their friends all about it. For me, it’s all about family. They are the most important thing in my life. If they’re proud, I can go to sleep happy.”
He added, “Thank you to everyone who has donated, texted, commented, and supported me. The response has been phenomenal.”
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