In this episode, we're thrilled to have Olympian Andy Butchart, a standout figure in the world of athletics, joining us on the podcast. Andy is renowned for his incredible achievements and unwavering passion for his sport. For years though, Andy has been plagued by a condition known as Haglund's deformity, causing persistent heel pain, he recently decided to have surgery even though it means he will miss the Paris Olympics. He explains his decision and long-term vision of a commitment to returning stronger and better than ever.

Prof Mackay talks us through this common injury, also known as Pump Bump, why it happens, what you can do to try relieving it, and if all else fails, how surgery can help. Andy is recovering well and focussing during rehab on what he can do to stay strong. He has some great tips for others struggling with the same problem.

Andy's journey to the top began to gain serious momentum when he clinched the British 5000-meter title, a victory that earned him a spot on Team GB at the Rio Olympics where he delivered a stellar performance, finishing sixth in the 5000 meters final and setting a new Scottish record. He has continued to shine on the international stage - his versatility netting him bronze at the European Cross Country Championships in 2017. More recently he competed in the 2022 Commonwealth Games - demonstrating his versatility and endurance across different running disciplines. In his downtime, he also recently broke the Park Run World Record!

Jennifer is impressed by Andy's incredible enthusiasm for his sport, his positivity about beating his injury as well as his optimism for the future. Download this episode today.

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We are thrilled to have two special guests with us for this new episode, Ashley Reid, the founder of the Amputee Football Association Scotland, and Iain Matthew, the association CEO . It was Ashley's vision and dedication that brought amputee football to life in Scotland, then she was joined by sporting legend Iain. As an amputee Paralympian, Iain first excelled as a swimmer - gold and silver medals being just a few of his accolades. But Iain is also a passionate football player and that's when the meeting between these two became a match made in heaven.

Iain has used his extensive training and experience in elite sport to elevate the Scottish amputee football team to new heights. Under his leadership, the team is preparing to compete in the EAFF Euros in France which are about to begin. Ashley continues to be the driving force behind the association and does all she can to involve new players.

As a football fanatic Prof Mackay was so impressed by the association's players that he and his wife Jackie became sponsors, so today we dive a little deeper into the incredible journey of the AFAS, hear how the team has come together, and the opportunities the association offers to those who enjoy playing. We also discover the incredible skills needed to play amputee football, some of the health problems players can face as well as hearing how playing can be a lifeline to some members and their families.

Listen now for an inspiring conversation about resilience, teamwork, and the power of sport to transform lives in the club whose motto is #legoffgameon.

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In this heart-stopping episode of Surgical Goals, we talk to the incredible Ethan Walker. A promising young footballer, Ethan's dreams had taken him from the east coast of Scotland to the US on a scholarship, where life was sweet for the young athlete. Fate intervened though when he was hit by a car landing him in intensive care, fighting for his life with brain bleeds, skull fractures, and a completely dislocated knee among his list of injuries. His very survival seemed uncertain and his family flew out to be with him. Now just 8 months later Ethan and Professor Mackay are about to embark on a remarkable journey cycling from Hampden in Glasgow to Munich for the opening match of the Euros!

Ethan's accident happened in September 2023 and he only met after Prof Mackay after he came to him to have surgery on his still serious knee injury. So how is this cycling adventure even possible?

In surely one of our most inspiring episodes ever, we talk to Ethan about the unbreakable spirit that is about to see him head off on this incredible journey. Prof Mackay talks about Ethan's knee surgery for the most serious dislocation you can suffer and Jennifer finds out more about how this remarkable challenge came about.

Make it to Munich! Ethan and Prof Mackay will be cycling alongside filmmaker Martyn Robertson and Tartan Army superfan Stephan Collie and a small support team. If you feel inspired to support them or find out more you can do so here
https://www.gofundme.com/f/make-it-to-munich

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