Scotland’s fundraising superheroes 10 April 2020 Our amazing supporters always go the extra mile to make sure there’s No Life Half Lived for people living with chest, heart and stroke conditions in Scotland. Meet some of our fantastic fundraising heroes who have been busy making a difference. We love seeing the fun and heroic ways you’ve been raising money across the country. Time to get your cape on! Aileen’s new ‘do Aileen McGowan’s husband, Chris, suffered a stroke in October 2018 and recovered well with Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s help – even running the Scottish Men’s 10K for us last year. Aileen wanted to help too, so she organised a head shave to mark one year on from Chris’s stroke. Her husband did the honours, shaving her head to reveal a new ‘do in front of a room full of supportive family and friends. The couple have raised a fantastic total of £2848 with their heroic fundraising efforts. Getting the band back together Back in the 1960s, the band Albert Fish had a cult following in their home city of Aberdeen. Over the years, almost all members of the band have been affected by a critical illness, including the lead singer Trevor Hart. Trevor suffered a major stroke which left both his speech and movement in his left hand severely affected. But with the support of his Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland stroke nurse Jane Davidson, Trevor got the band back together for a reunion show that raised an incredible £2000. Jeanie takes to the skies Our fearless fundraiser Jeanie took on the Forth Bridge Abseil in October 2019 despite being absolutely “petrified of heights”. When her beloved dad Stewart passed away having a stroke, Jeanie was determined to do something positive in his memory. After facing her fears, Jeanie said: “This whole experience has really helped the healing process for me and I have found this opportunity absolutely amazing! I know Dad would be so proud of me. If you are thinking about doing it, sign up, it’s amazing!” Big Don braves the beast Don Johnstone – better known as Big Don – took on the Beast Race in memory of his beloved brother Michael who died suddenly from a heart attack in February 2019. Determined Don beasted his way through giant water slides, icy loch water, thick mud and swamp crossings. Don raised over £1,000 to help others. He said: “We were given no warning about Michael but other people might get that time and I want to be able to help them get the support they need, when they need it. That’s why I took on the Beast for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland.” Caped crusader dons mask for hero dad Did you spot a spandex clad, caped crusader flying around Scotland last year? Our very own Lawrence Cowan, Director of Communications, dressed as a superhero in honour of his personal hero – his lovely Dad Richard – who has Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD). Thanks to his fundraising superpowers, Lawrence smashed his #FundAHero challenge. He raised over £1,300 to help people living with COPD breathe better and live life to the full. Inspired by our amazing fundraising heroes? Join our super special team today and kick-start your fundraising – it’s hero time! Visit www.chss.org.uk/hero to get started.