Tillicoultry Fundraiser Walks the Flames in memory of beloved auntie 14 March 2024 Peer support involvement coordinator Georgia Freyne and her colleague Alexia Delesalle took on the Walk the Flames challenge last month. By doing this coal walk I wanted to test my mental strength. When Georgia Freyne stepped up to face the hot coals of the Walk the Flames fundraiser in Stockbridge on Friday night she had her colleague Alexia Delesalle by her side. The 25-year-old had some extra help to take that first, fiery step – the stubbornness of her late auntie Claire. The peer support involvement coordinator for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland decided last minute to fundraise for Scotland’s largest health charity to keep the memory of her “second mum” alive. Georgia said: “I was inspired to do something because I lost my auntie Claire to one of our conditions. She was very important to me and it was very unexpected and sudden and I wanted to do something brave to keep her memory alive. “Claire was truly one of the best people I have ever had the privilege to know and love. “She raised me, basically. She was my second mum. Claire had endless compassion and supported me through every event in my life. By doing this coal walk I wanted to test my mental strength. She was so incredibly stubborn and I was going to get over those coals because I had her stubbornness with me.” The sociology graduate from Stirling University added: “She’d have found it hilarious and thought I was bonkers! “It’s a case of mind over matter taking the first step. I just wanted to raise some money and do something good in her memory.” Despite Georgia and Alexia only signing up four days before the Walk the Flames event they smashed their £250 fundraising target to make just under £1,000. Georgia said: “We were so overwhelmed with the response I could not believe it. “It was shared to Claire’s workplace and all her old colleagues donated. I’ve just been overwhelmed by the response and lovely messages and everyone wanting to keep her memory alive. It’s just so wonderful. “We both really wanted to do something because we’re so passionate about our job. “We just walked a few steps on hot coals but the people living with our conditions are doing something every day.” Stephanie Wilks, Community, Events and Corporate Fundraiser for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland said: “We are grateful to our CHSS colleagues Georgia and Alexia for taking on a very brave challenge for a great cause. “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.” Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland is committed to reaching 175,000 people living with its conditions across Scotland a year by 2028 through its Community Healthcare Support Services. To donate to Georgia’s fundraiser please go to www.justgiving.com/page/georgia-freyne-alexia-delesalle-1707829915648 To find out more about fundraising for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland visit www.chss.org.uk/supportus/fundraise-for-us/ 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.