A Crieff stroke survivor's leap of faith has paid off after she raised more than £1300 for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS).
Debbie Matthew had a stroke in March 2016, just after her 40th birthday, that nearly took her life. To mark the 10th anniversary of her stroke, and her 50th birthday, she decided to take herself out of her comfort zone this year with a series of challenges.
Highland Fling at Killiecrankie
After swimming in the sea and performing on stage, Debbie and her colleagues at Strathearn Pest Control took part in the Highland Fling at Killiecrankie last Sunday.
Debbie, who is the finance manager at Strathearn Pest Control, said: “It was really nerve-wracking and over really quickly, but it went really well.
“I decided to go last and I’m not sure if that was a good idea! The adrenaline buzz from it was pretty amazing. I did do a lot of swearing, so I can’t show my mum that video because she’ll be very cross with me!
“There were a lot of supporters shouting in the background so there was a good crowd as well as our team being there too.”
Support from Strathearn Pest Control
Strathearn Pest Control’s director, Robert Wilkie, sponsored the bungee jump for the six members of the team taking part, and every penny raised is going to CHSS.
Debbie has a long-running relationship with the health charity since the stroke which almost took her life. The support she received from the charity’s Advice Line in the aftermath has led her to take part in multiple fundraisers and become an ambassador for the charity.
Grateful for community support
Debbie said: “The fundraiser has gone really well. We’re up to £1300 which is great, and we’re not closing it yet.
“I’d like to say thanks to the people who have supported the fundraiser, including the Highland Fling team. Jake is the general manager and his team are really good.
“One of the boys who works here plays golf and they’ve been raising money at his club. People have also stopped me in the street and given me cash, so it’s been amazing to see everyone’s support and I’m really grateful.”
Julianne Scarlett, the fundraising events assistant at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, said: “We are thrilled that Debbie and the Strathearn Pest Control team had an amazing time completing this adrenaline-filled challenge and raising vital funds and awareness for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland.
“This year will be full of special moments for Debbie but I’m sure the Highland Fling will be one of the most memorable. It’s such a unique way to mark a milestone and raise money for a fantastic cause.
“The money raised by Debbie and her colleagues will help us support the one in five people across Scotland living with chest, heart and stroke conditions, and Long Covid.”
To support Debbie’s fundraiser, go to justgiving.com/page/strathearnpestcontrol-1. If you’re living with the effects of a chest, heart or stroke condition or Long Covid and are looking for advice and information, contact Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0899, text ADVICE to 66777, or email adviceline@chss.org.uk.
