Glasgow Man Set to Fly Across the Clyde for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland

Matt Ramsay, a trustee of Walking Football Scotland, is taking on the Zipslide the Clyde to raise funds for Scotland’s leading health charity. 

The Zipslide the Clyde event takes place on Saturday 31st August – and there are still places available for those looking for a thrilling challenge while supporting people living with chest, heart and stroke conditions and Long Covid. 

The exhilarating event sees participants zipline from a crane next to the iconic Glasgow Riverside Museum 100 ft in the air and glide 1245 ft along the Clyde. 

Matt is no stranger to the work that Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland carries out for people across Scotland.  

Last year CHSS and Walking Football Scotland entered a partnership to improve health outcomes for thousands of over fifties.  Walking football is a fantastic way for older Scots to keep fit and is accessible to many people who are living with chest, heart and stroke conditions. 

And that’s why Matt will fly across the Clyde as part of the Zipslide challenge at the end of the month to raise funds for CHSS. 

Matt said: “The partnership between Walking Football Scotland and CHSS has been a great way to encourage more people to take part in the sport and to raise awareness of the importance on physical activity in improving heart health. 

“So many of our players across the country have got involved in walking football for their overall health, their mental health, and for the social side of the sport.

Speaking about the Zipslide the Clyde event, Matt said: “I’ve never done anything like this before but I’m looking forward to it.” 

And Matt has witnessed first hand the power of the sport of walking football. 

He said: “One man’s story always resonates with me. He was playing a walking football tournament in Glasgow and dashed away because he was going up north with his wife for his wedding anniversary. 

“While he was on the road he had a heart attack and when he went to the hospital the surgeon asked him what exercise he does. He told the surgeon he plays walking football and the surgeon said that’s what’s saved his life. Because he played he was so much fitter it was his walking football that saved him. If he hadn’t been playing he might not be here today.” 

CHSS sponsored the Walking Football Scottish Cup again this year as part of their partnership. More than 800 people came together at Glasgow Green for the world’s biggest one-day walking football festival. 

Louise MacLeod, Community, Events and Corporate Fundraiser at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland said: “Zipslide the Clyde is one of the most thrilling fundraisers out there and we thank Matt for his support and taking part for CHSS and we’d encourage other people to sign up and take part. 

“The funds raised will help us to support the 1 in 5 people across the country who are living with chest, heart and stroke conditions and Long Covid to live their lives to the full.”   

To support Matt’s Zipslide challenge please go to www.justgiving.com/page/wfs-chss-2024. 

To sign up to the Zipslide please go to www.chss.org.uk/supportus/fundraise-for-us/events/zipslide-the-clyde/. 

For more information on how to get involved in walking football in your area go to www.chss.org.uk/services/physical-activity/walking-football/.  

If you’re living with the effects of a chest, heart or stroke condition or Long Covid and looking for advice and information, please contact Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0899. You can also text NURSE to 66777 or email adviceline@chss.org.uk.