Killie Heartmates’ John is a Local Hero  

For almost 30 years, John Thomson has been at the heart of cardiac rehabilitation in Kilmarnock as the founder and honorary chairman of Killie Heartmates.  

Now John has been given the royal seal of approval after being nominated by MSP Brian Whittle as a Local Hero to mark the 25th anniversary of the Scottish Parliament.  

He and wife Sheena – who has been with him every step of the way in the 28-year journey of the Killie Heartmates – joined the King and Queen at a special reception in the Scottish Parliament in September.  

The event marked 25 years since the Scottish Parliament was reconvened and included special performances to showcase Scottish music and culture, alongside Local Heroes such as John who have made an extraordinary contribution to their communities.  

John, 83, said: “I’ve told Sheena she’ll have to walk a yard behind me now that I’ve been put up for this award!  All joking aside, I was surprised and delighted to be nominated. It was very special to be among so many deserving people who have all done something special. 

“I’ve met the King before because Sheena used to work for the Prince’s Trust, but this was my first time meeting the Queen and she was a delight. 

“She chatted to me for a couple of minutes, then said ‘love your suit’ as she was leaving. Sheena was very jealous! 

“I also want to say a big thank you to Kaley Cochran, who works for Brian Whittle MSP. She met us outside Parliament and stayed with us the whole day, making sure we were well taken care of.” 

John had been part of a cardiac rehabilitation group at Crosshouse Hospital for several years after he had a heart attack and bypass surgery in 1992 and 1993. NHS Ayrshire and Arran provided physios and support initially, but financial and staffing constraints meant the board couldn’t commit long term. Instead, they suggested, the members set up their own group.  

Killie Heartmates was born with Sheena joining the founding committee. The group meets twice weekly in the town with participants going through a range of physical activities by BACPR trained instructors specifically aimed at recovering cardiac patients.  

Killie Heartmates are supported by CHSS and by East Ayrshire Council’s Vibrant Communities programme.  

John and Sheena are also cardiac rehabilitation volunteers with NHS Ayrshire and Arran. In 2018, the dynamic duo was nominated for a national NHS Unsung Hero award for their efforts, and their efforts were recognised when they won Volunteers of the Year in the Ayrshire Achieves awards in that same year.  

Brian Whittle, MSP for South Scotland, said: “I was delighted to nominate John Thomson from Killie Heartmates as my Local Hero for the 25th Anniversary of the Scottish Parliament.  

“John makes a huge contribution to Kilmarnock and the surrounding area through the lifesaving work done by Killie Heartmates. Nominating John as my Local Hero and bringing him to Holyrood is my way of promoting the success of Killie Heartmates and saying thank you for all the lives he’s helped change.”  

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