Pharmaton Lifesqueezer - Mum of the Year 2010
Our mum of the year winner in 2010 was Jo Bayston from Gloucestershire.
Jo Bayston from Gloucestershire is a mother of three, a student, a childminder, a runner, a playgroup assistant and a fundraiser; she’s a little bit of everything, all rolled into one and a true Lifesqueezer! Jo – who became pregnant with her second child when her first was just nine months old – suffered a turbulent time six weeks after the birth of her second son Archie in 2007, when her eldest child, Henry, was diagnosed with lymph node syndrome also known as Kawasaki disease, and spent a worrying week in hospital. When Henry finally recovered Jo found herself pregnant again, this time with her first daughter – Amy - who was born in 2008. For a few weeks, she had three children under three! In 2009 she began studying to become a registered childminder, then later completed training in First Aid, Food Safety and Child Protection and now finds herself studying for her NVQ 3 in Childcare. With Henry now at school, she has taken on the task of childminding another youngster and is actively involved in her local playgroup. She regularly bakes for fundraising events and when she does find a spare minute, she uses the time to train for the half marathons she takes part in. She has recently completed the Bristol Half Marathon and the Stroud Half Marathon. Jo is most definitely a Lifesqueezer!
Nominating herself, Jo said: "I make my tea in a thermos because if I don't, I never get a chance to enjoy a cuppa in the day! With endless to-do lists, when I find time for me, I run. Running is my saviour. I love my life and am all squeezed out!” On winning the competition, Jo added: “I was very shocked when I found out I’d won as I never win anything! I’m such a busy person and I was thrilled to have had the winning entry and also happy that the work I do, had not gone un-noticed!"
Pharmaton’s Biggest Lifesqueezer 2009
Our national winner in 2009 was Battersea radiologist and charity superstar Sarah Burnett-Moore.
We can’t imagine anyone else squeezing as much out of each day! She was nominated by her husband, who demonstrated how she is not only a successful doctor and broadcaster, but is also a mother to two children, has recently completed a photography diploma, a French course and become a licensed practitioner of neurolinguistic programming! Having beaten breast cancer a few years ago, Sarah is also working on a healthy eating initiative to raise money for Cancer Research UK, and campaigns tirelessly for the cause.
Just how does she manage to squeeze everything in?!
Along with our national winner in 2009 we also selected a number of regional winners:
- Nicola Corbett – Scottish Winner
- Nigel Ashenden – Northern Winner
- Janet Hoare – Midlands Winner
- Debbie Woodroffe – Welsh Winner
- Margaret Burke – London and South East Winner
- Rachel Perkins – Southern Winner
Pharmacies Biggest Lifesqueezer 2009
The winner was Guinness World Record breaker and marathon runner, David Smith, from Dronfield!
David Smith was nominated by colleague Jill Simpson, whose nomination said: "David squeezes every inch out of life - not only does he work six days a week but he also finds time to break the Guinness World Record for the fastest aggregate time for marathons on seven continents. He runs these marathons for the MS Society and Ashgate Hospice inspired by the support these charities have given his close family members. Professionally, he is top-notch; he won the Medicine Use Review Champion of the year in 2008 and is loved by both staff and customers."
David has competed in marathons throughout the world, and has raised over £23,000 for the MS Society and Ashgate Hospice, most of it from his customers. Not only has he competed in marathons in fancy dress, but has also run in Antarctica, and in the Sahara desert, where he spent time living with local refugees. “This really put life into perspective for me,” he says. “These people have nothing, compared to what we have. It was a humbling experience.” This year, he plans to compete in the Lakeland, a 100 mile race in the Lake District, which he plans to complete within 41 hours.
David trains every morning at 6.30am, yet also manages to find time to give fundraising talks, and spend time with his wife, who has MS, and his two step-children.