Running Strong at 85

Plus: Snails and Puffins on the Rise

Author

Chief Happiness Officer
September 17, 2024 • Estimated Reading Time: 9 minutes

Good morning, wonderful souls! 🌞 

Get ready to skip into your day with some truly uplifting stories from across the UK! Here’s what’s on the horizon:

- 🏃‍♂️ Meet 85-year-old Eric Hughes, the running legend who proved age is just a number by racing his great-grandson at a local ParkRun—talk about competitive family fun!
- 🐌 Partula snails are off on an epic journey from Edinburgh Zoo to the wilds of French Polynesia, showcasing the power of conservation in action.
- 🐧 Puffins are thriving on the Farne Islands with a delightful 15% increase in their population, bringing joy to wildlife enthusiasts everywhere!

Dive in and let the good vibes soar!

Running Strong at 85: Eric Hughes’ Inspirational Journey

Credit – Porthcawl ParkRun organizers, released to the BBC.

Eric Hughes running in Malta, 2003 – family photo

Imagine celebrating your 85th birthday by racing your great-grandson in a community running event! This is precisely what pioneering Welsh athlete Eric Hughes did, proving that age is just a number when you’ve got a competitive spirit—and a penchant for putting on your running shoes!

A Legacy of Community Runs

Eric Hughes isn’t just any runner; he’s a true running legend. With a record of medalling at 18 consecutive British Masters Championships, it’s clear that his passion for running hasn’t dimmed with age. Hughes' competitive nature didn't stop him from handing his great-grandson the victory by a whopping seven minutes during their recent ParkRun together. Bet that made for an interesting family dinner discussion!

As a long-time organiser and volunteer of the ParkRun movement, which started in London in 2004, Hughes has helped cultivate a community that now includes over 1,200 ParkRuns worldwide. His efforts have made weekly running accessible and fun for everyone. “It’s all still based on the simple, basic principles formed from the start: weekly, free, for everyone, forever,” notes the official ParkRun website.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Hughes finds immense joy in watching young children participate, believing they are the future of athletics in the UK. “I think eventually we’ll have such good athletes in this country and that’s because of the ParkRuns,” he said. His enthusiasm isn’t just infectious; it’s also paving the way for a new generation of runners who’ll hopefully be beating family members in races for years to come!

So, whether you're a seasoned athlete or simply someone looking to run through life with a bit of zest, remember Eric Hughes. If he can dash through a ParkRun at 85, what’s holding you back?

A Snail’s Journey Back to the Wild

In a remarkable twist of fate worthy of a documentary, thousands of extremely rare Partula snails are getting a second shot at life in the wild. Managed by the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), these tiny, nocturnal marvels are about to embark on a 15,000km adventure from Edinburgh Zoo to the lush landscapes of French Polynesia. Talk about a globetrotting getaway!

Conservation in Action

Since 1984, the RZSS has joined hands with conservationists to work tirelessly in saving the Partula snail from the brink of extinction. This is not just about preserving a species; it's about restoring balance to an ecosystem. Imagine being the superhero of snails—fighting against extinction with expert determination and a touch of love. With efforts like these, it's as if each snail carries a piece of hope on its shell.

Bright Ideas for Monitoring

Before the departure, RZSS teams took a creative approach to ensure these little critters could be easily tracked. Each snail was individually marked with a dot of yellow UV reflective paint. Why? Well, because they glow under UV light! Imagine a disco party for snails at night, shining bright as conservationists keep watch to ensure their new homes are thriving. It’s both a practical and amusing tactic; who knew snails could be so stylish?

As these pint-sized pioneers make their way across the globe, they remind us that every action counts in the quest to save our planet’s incredible biodiversity. Here’s to hoping these snails settle in nicely and become the stars of their own nature documentary—complete with a dramatic soundtrack and plenty of slow-motion moments!

Puffins on the Rise: Good News from the Farne Islands

Photo supplied - Puffins, Farne Islands, Northumberland | Š National Trust Images/Nick Upton

The puffins are back, and they’re not just winging it! A recent count on the Farne Islands has unveiled a 15% increase in these charming seabird numbers, leading to a delightful declaration of a 'stable' population. After five years of waiting, it appears the news is all good, despite challenges like the pandemic and pesky bird flu.

Count Me In!

The National Trust ranger team has been busy keeping tabs on these adorable birds, estimating around 50,000 breeding pairs this year compared to nearly 44,000 in 2019. Sophia Jackson, National Trust Area Ranger, shared her relief about this positive breakthrough, suggesting that puffins might have been well-prepared to handle adversity. Why? It seems their ‘self-isolating’ behaviour—laying eggs in burrows and sticking to the same nesting spots—has given them a leg up, or perhaps a wing up, in the face of challenges!

Burrows and Blessings

As the rangers observed burrows for signs of puffin activity—like a return with fishy goodies or fresh digging— they uncovered intriguing patterns. Puffins appear to favour Inner Farne for nesting, while outer islands show fewer pairs. This shift could be linked to seal pupping, leaving less room for the puffin party.

Despite the jubilant puffin news, it’s worth noting some seabird relatives are struggling. Shags have plummeted by 75% and guillemots by 37%—a stark reminder that our feathered friends need ongoing vigilance. Yet, with constant monitoring, we can help ensure the Farne Islands remain a flourishing hub for puffin lovers for generations to come!

In other uplifting news

  • A Manchester couple has celebrated their wedding in a unique way by tying the knot in a charity shop for a sustainable and affordable event. Their choice highlights the spirit of giving and creativity! Read more

  • Electric school buses are now rolling out nationwide, marking a shift towards eco-friendly transportation for millions of students. This exciting change reflects a growing commitment to a greener future in education! Read more

  • In a groundbreaking event, the Polaris Dawn crew completed the first all-civilian spacewalk, demonstrating the potential of privately funded space exploration with their adaptable new spacesuits. The future of space travel looks promising! Read more

  • Fairtrade International has launched a new Living Income Reference Price tool to aid companies in creating sustainable supply chains. This digital initiative reflects their commitment to enhancing fair business practices worldwide, promoting better wages for producers. Read more

  • Patagonia has awarded a $1 million grant to support organic and regenerative farming in Ventura County, California, aiming to combat pollution from industrial agriculture. This initiative promises to rejuvenate the land and produce healthier crops for the community. Read more

  • Electrification is transforming our world, as we witness a century of innovative shifts from gas and coal to cleaner energy sources. Each step forward brings us closer to a sustainable future, highlighting the importance of adapting for generations to come! Read more

Inspiring Quote of the Day

"Spirituality can be severed from both vicious sectarianism and thoughtless banalities. Spirituality, I have come to see, is nothing less than the thoughtful love of life."

— Robert C. Solomon

Uplifting tweets

Some Wholesomeness from the Internet

Source: Reddit


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