Andrew is undertaking this gruelling challenge to raise awareness and funds for the charity Rock 2 Recovery, which supports veterans suffering with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), providing immediate help for those suffering from PTSD as well as ongoing support and mentoring.

One of the patrons of the charity is Jason Fox from the Channel 4 SAS series. Jason has spoken candidly and extensively about his personal experience of PTSD and the effects this had on his career and personal life.

Andrew said: “I am very much aware that within the CNC we have many military veterans who have served on operations in recent campaigns and who may unknowingly be suffering from the effects of PTSD.

“As well as raising money for this excellent charity it also an opportunity to raise awareness of another avenue of potential support for those who may need it. I have a donation page on Team Fortitude website – if you have any spare pennies to donate I would really appreciate it. In 2019 I ran a 54-mile Ultra Marathon in Normandy along the D-Day beaches raising £1650 for Blind and Limbless Servicemen (BLESMA).”

To find out more about the Rock 2 Recovery charity and the amazing work they do, please visit their website.

A recall notice for one batch (10,452 units) of metformin oral solution has today been issued by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) as a precautionary measure after it was found to contain a nitrosamine impurity above accepted levels.

The impurity, nitrosodimethylamine (NDMA), has been identified as a risk factor in the development of certain cancers.

At the very low levels that have been detected, nitrosamines only have a potentially harmful effect if consumed over a long period of time and to date there is no evidence that this impurity has caused any harm to patients. The Class 2 recall to wholesaler dealer and pharmacy level is precautionary to prevent further exposure.

All medicines in the UK are independently tested for quality prior to being made available to the public and there are strict controls in place to limit the presence of this impurity in metformin products. During testing prior to batch release, levels of the impurity NDMA in batch number 0LL0018 of metformin oral solution were found to be within acceptable limits. However, routine monitoring of the batch while on the market showed that levels of NDMA were no longer acceptable at 9 months.

The marketing authorisation holder has placed all remaining stock of metformin oral solution on hold while they investigate this issue further. No other batches have been found to be affected.

Patients are advised to continue taking their medication as directed by their HCP and should not stop any treatments without consulting their healthcare team. The risks of suddenly stopping medication for type 2 diabetes is higher than the potential risk presented by the impurity. Individuals who are concerned should talk to their pharmacist or GP.

The MHRA continues to work with the Department of Health and Social Care to ensure that an adequate supply of these products remains available for patients.

Dr Alison Cave MHRA Chief Safety Officer, said:

Patient safety is at the heart of everything we do. This recall of one batch of metformin oral solution is a precautionary measure to prevent further exposure to the nitrosamine impurity. There is no evidence to date that this impurity has caused any harm to patients.

Individuals who have metformin oral solution from this batch at home should continue to take their medication. It is very important to speak to your doctor or pharmacist before stopping any treatment – they can address any concerns you may have and can advise you on the best course of action.

Healthcare professionals should check their stock to quarantine and return any units from this batch to their supplier using their supplier’s approved process.

Notes to editors

• The Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency is responsible for regulating all medicines and medical devices in the UK by ensuring they work and are acceptably safe. All our work is underpinned by robust and fact-based judgements to ensure that the benefits justify any risks.
• Metformin is widely used to treat type 2 diabetes.

Scottish Secretary Alister Jack said:

While today’s figures show some resilience, we still face challenges. A strong, sustainable recovery remains our priority.

The UK Government put unprecedented measures in place from the very beginning of the pandemic to protect lives and livelihoods. That’s included supporting the jobs of nearly a million people in Scotland through furlough and with unprecedented financial help for the self-employed. More than 90,000 businesses have benefited from business loans and VAT cuts have kept firms in the hardest hit sectors afloat.

We’ve provided the Scottish Government with more than £14.5 billion in additional funding, £1.5 billion has been invested in growth deals across Scotland and our new Levelling Up and Community Renewal Funds will benefit communities right across the UK.

In driving our economy into recovery, our Plan for Jobs will help more people get back into work and the success of the UK Government-funded vaccine programme is paving the way for us to build back better and stronger.

Background:

• The UK Government’s furlough scheme has been extended until the end of September 2021, paying up to 80 percent of wages. The self-employed support scheme has also been extended to the end of September 2021. The furlough scheme in Scotland supported cumulative more than 900,000 jobs alone.

• More than 100,000 businesses in Scotland have been supported from UK Government business loans worth £4 billion.

• The UK Government has provided billions in extra funding for the welfare system for those unable to access other forms of support.

• This direct support is on top of the additional £14.5 billion provided to the Government since the start of the pandemic.

• The UK Government is investing billions to help people of all ages back into work, including our £2 billion Kickstart scheme for young people, sector work programmes and recruitment of thousands of additional Work Coaches.

• The UK Government continues to provide the bulk of Covid testing in Scotland and has moved quickly to buy vaccines, securing more than 500 million doses from seven vaccine developers for distribution across all parts of the UK. The UK Government is providing all covid testing in Scotland outside of the NHS.