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My name is Kirsty. Three years ago, when I was just 22, I had a stroke. Yes, a stroke at the age of 22.
In one terrifying moment, my life changed forever. Everything I had hoped and planned for was taken away from me.
My dream of working in childcare has gone. I can’t drive now because the stroke left me partially blind and I have to walk with a stick.
I felt lost, alone and scared.
But I picked myself up and started again because, thanks to you and your support for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, I can now build a new future.
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That’s why all I want this Christmas is for anyone struggling after a stroke, a heart or chest diagnosis to get the help they so desperately need.
“I wanted to be brave, but I felt broken.”
There was a moment when I asked my mum why the hospital room was so dark. That’s when I learned part of my sight had gone. I know now it will never return.
I was terrified. I couldn’t find the words to explain how I felt. I had no energy even to text my friends, no appetite to eat. I felt numb.
That first Christmas was unbearable. I was grieving my old life. I had to give up my driving licence. I thought I was losing all of my sight, my independence, and my future. I wanted to be brave, but I felt broken.
Joanne, a coordinator with CHSS Community Support Services, came to visit us. She listened. She gave me hope. With her support, I set a small goal: to walk to work again. It felt impossible, but Joanne gave me belief, and with each walk, I felt stronger.
Joanne was there when I cried and when I doubted myself. She was there when I started to believe again. She helped me rebuild my confidence and reminded me that life after stroke can still be full of meaning.
“It helped so much having Joanne there to support me”
“So, this Christmas, I’m asking you to give someone the same gift I received: the gift of hope.“, Kirsty, stroke survivor and shop manager, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, Prestwick
With Joanne’s encouragement, I started volunteering for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland. Last year, I joined the charity as assistant manager in the Prestwick shop. Today, at 26, I’m proud to be the shop manager.
I wouldn’t be here without Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland. And they wouldn’t be here without you.
£12,50
Will fund a call to our Advice Line team for anyone worried about the effects of stroke.
Donate £12,50
£20
Will give someone one hour of vital one-to-one help with a support worker to get back to enjoying life when they come home from hospital.
Donate £20
£40
Would help train a volunteer kindness caller to make sure there is always someone at the end of the phone for people in need of help.
Donate £40
£50
Your gift will mean that someone can attend an online support group for three months, helping them cope with the emotional and physical impact of stroke.
Donate £50