Rutherglen Comic Stands Up for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland  

For most people, celebrating 20 years after surviving a stroke is a reason for a party.  

But for Colette Boyd, that milestone is cause for a laugh. 

The 48-year-old, from Rutherglen, is marking two decades of stroke survival by taking to the stage at The Griffin during the Glasgow International Comedy Festival for “A F.A.S.T 20 Years”. 

Described as “a celebration of life, laughter and momentous events” the show is in aid of Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland, the country’s leading health charity which supports the 1 in 5 people with chest, heart and stroke conditions and Long Covid.  

The 48-year-old struggled with anxiety, depression and confidence, but after starting stand-up comedy in 2023, her mental health improved. 

Using the self-deprecating humour that helped her through the difficulties of being a young stroke survivor, Colette shares her inspiring story, which is sweet and surprisingly dark at times, with warmth and humour. 

Colette said: “I had my first stroke when I was 28 and then I had my second stroke when I was 29. I’d read at the time that most stroke survivors don’t live past 20 years after their stroke. I assume that’s because people that have strokes are older when they have them. 

“I always thought I’d have a party when I got to 20 years. When I started doing stand-up comedy I was telling my friend, who also does stand-up, that I’d have a party. He suggested I put on a gig during the International Comedy Festival instead and I thought it was a great idea.” 

Colette will be joined on the night by Jimi Longmuir, Tattoo Dave and Patrick Rolink at The Griffin on Tuesday 25th March.  

Colette added: “When I decided to do the show I knew I couldn’t fill an hour myself so I put a call out asking if anyone wanted to get involved. Patrick has had a stroke more recently and has been involved with CHSS. The other comedians have had family members affected by heart disease so it worked out well to host it for CHSS given it’s a Scottish charity.” 

To book a ticket please go to www.glasgowcomedyfestival.com/events/a-f-a-s-t-20-years/. 

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 ADVICE to 66777 or email adviceline@chss.org.uk.