Debbie Matthew, a stroke survivor from Crieff, will take part in a bungee jump on Sunday at the Highland Fling in Killiecrankie as part of her 10th anniversary fundraising challenge. The 50-year-old finance manager at Strathearn Pest Control suffered a stroke just after her 40th birthday in March 2016, an event that nearly took her life.
A Decade of Challenges
To mark the milestone, Debbie set herself the goal of completing 10 activities in 2026 that push her out of her comfort zone. So far, she has swum in the sea and performed on stage. The bungee jump represents her most extreme challenge yet.
“On the 27th of March 2016, I had my stroke just after my 40th birthday so this year is my 10th anniversary,” Debbie said. “I wanted to mark that anniversary by doing 10 things in 2026 that would push me out of my comfort zone. One of the things we decided to do was a bungee jump.”
Team Effort
Debbie will be joined by five colleagues from Strathearn Pest Control: Graeme Malone, Scott Lawson, Colin Liddell, Stuart Blair, and Neil Combe. The company’s director, Robert Wilkie, has sponsored the jump for all six participants. The rest of the team will offer support from the ground.
Long-Standing Charity Support
Debbie has a long-running relationship with Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland (CHSS), which supported her after her stroke. She has since become an ambassador for the charity and participated in multiple fundraisers.
“I sat for a long time before picking up the phone to Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland’s Advice Line,” Debbie said. “I even hung up a few times before plucking up the courage to stay on the line. It really was a lifeline for me and I know they’ve helped so many others through dark times and I would’ve been lost without them.”
Charity Gratitude
Julianne Scarlett, fundraising events assistant at Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Debbie for her continued support and for everything she has done over the years to raise vital funds and awareness for Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland.”
To support Debbie’s fundraiser, visit www.justgiving.com/page/strathearnpestcontrol-1. For advice and information on chest, heart, stroke conditions, or Long Covid, contact CHSS’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0899, text ADVICE to 66777, or email adviceline@chss.org.uk.
