Granddaughter tackles solo triathlon to boost funds for Gran’s charity and care home 07 October 2021 Vet Lindsay Yates was looking for a challenge during lockdown when she signed up on an impulse to do a triathlon. Her inspiration was her gran, Jean Reid, who had suffered a life-changing stroke. Lindsay decided to raise money to be shared between Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland and the care home where her gran now lives. So, having thrown herself into the training for an event she’d never participated in before, Lindsay wasn’t going to let a little thing like the cancellation of the official Glasgow Spring Triathlon because of thunderstorms and torrential rain get in her way. Going solo That’s why on Sunday, August 8, she went ahead with a triathlon of her own – on her own. And it was fitting that she finished the 5k run at the door of Whitecraigs Nursing Home so her gran could see her. Lindsay, 24, of Glasgow, says: “The event was cancelled at the last minute because there was an amber weather warning for thunder and lightning. It’s going to be rearranged for 2022, and I’ll sign up for it again. “But the weather was actually okay on the day, so I decided to do the triathlon on my own and in my own route because I want to get the sponsorship to where it’s needed. Lindsay’s triathlon included a swim in chilly Scottish waters. “I actually really enjoyed the swim, the cycle and the run, and I promise the swim was definitely 750m – it’s just that my watch wasn’t fancy enough to track it! “I planned the route to finish at the care home too, and that was lovely because some of my family and the residents were there to see me. I’m looking forward to next year, so I’ll have to keep up the training!” A triathlon involves a 750m swim and a 25k cycle before finishing with a 5k run. The Glasgow Spring Triathlon had been due to take place at Lapwing Lodge on Gleniffer Braes, near Paisley. Giving back Lindsay was inspired to raise money for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland after her gran, Jean, 90, had a stroke in January. After weeks in hospital, Jean moved to the Whitecraigs Nursing Home in March. Meanwhile her husband Alec, 91, is adjusting to life without her at home. Jean initially lost her speech, but while that has returned to some extent, she has cognitive issues that mean communication is difficult. Covid restrictions mean visiting is limited to her husband and two daughters, while the rest of the family have been able to see Jean only during good weather when they can meet outside. Lindsay says: “It’s been very difficult for my grandpa and my mum and aunt. They visit him every day, but there’s a lot of stress for everyone dealing with the situation with my gran. I wanted to help Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland do more of the work they do in supporting people who have had a stroke and their families. “The care home has been brilliant in getting her settled, so I wanted to do something to thank them and also to help Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland do more of the work they do in supporting people who have had a stroke and their families.” Lindsay set a target of raising £500 but has raised more than £1,300 to share between Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland and Whitecraigs Care Home. Check out our events calendar to find out about upcoming fundraising events you can get involved in: chss.org.uk/events