Goodbye to golden locks
One brave Minard lady is readying herself to say goodbye to her long locks as she raises funds for Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland.
Aileen and Chris McGowan, originally from Airdrie, have been on a mission to raise funds for the charity that is close to their hearts, while showing their gratitude to hospital staff who cared for Chris during an anxious time.
In October 2019, Chris McGowan suddenly became unwell while at work. Luckily, he had the sense to take himself straight to Mid Argyll Community Hospital to be checked out and was very quickly diagnosed as having had a mini stroke.
The diagnosis resulted in Chris needing life-saving surgery. Once back in recovery, a bleed was found and Chris was suddenly rushed back into theatre. After receiving platelets, a blood clot was found and removed and
Chris was back on the road to recovery.
The stroke affected Chris, a keen runner, both physically and mentally, and running had become a challenge for him, and living life at a slower pace was a massive adjustment.
In February this year, he returned to work at MacLeod Construction Ltd and by spring he was slowly beginning to get back into his running.
Bravely, Chris decided to set himself a challenge, to complete the Glasgow 10k in June.
Running with his son Christopher and son-in-law Paul O’Neil, they completed the strenuous event, raising an incredible £1,000 in the process.
Proud wife Aileen now feels it is her turn to step up to the mark and has bravely or foolishly – she is still uncertain – agreed to let Chris shave her head.
Providing a bit of mad fun for guests at The George Hotel, Inveraray, the couple will host a fundraising afternoon including a raffle of incredible prizes and the main event – the head shave.
Aileen said: ‘I can’t believe the generosity from everyone. I would like to thank everyone for their kind donation and support and all those who have donated raffle prizes – I’m just so grateful.
‘The nurses, doctors, surgeons, specialists were amazing and we can’t thank them enough, so we want to do our bit to show our gratitude and support them.’
All are welcome to join in the fun at The George Hotel, Inveraray, on Saturday October 26 from 2pm.