Debbie’s fears for vital CHSS
A Perthshire stroke survivor has backed an urgent appeal for donations to save a Scottish charity that helps people live life to the full.
Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland (CHSS) has revealed it is losing £500,000 a month during the lockdown period imposed as a result of the coronavirus pandemic.
The charity supports people living with chest, heart and stroke conditions – including people who have contracted COVID-19 – and says it has seen a spike in demand for its services despite the loss in revenue as a result of people being unable to raise funds through the likes of charity shops or other events.
Comrie’s Debbie Matthew has helped to promote the work of CHSS since receiving support after suffering a stroke herself four years ago.
The 44 year-old is one of three people to sign an open letter appealing to people to help bridge the funding shortfall.
She said: “I’m at higher risk of the virus because of my asthma so I’m not going out at all.
“I’m struggling like everyone else. Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland is a lifeline for me during this outbreak and beyond.”
CHSS fears it may have to close some of its essential services in a matter of months.
These include its advice line, one-toone community support services and peer support groups.
Although they have not signed the letter, another Perth couple are also backing the campaign.
Donald (right) is a stroke survivor and suffered from pneumonia last year. His condition means that coronavirus would be life-threatening.
His wife Eve said: “I’m scared for my husband. He’s particularly vulnerable to infections, so we’re in complete isolation. It’s devastating that we can’t see our grandchildren but we know it’s for the best.
“So many people like us will be frightened right now. But knowing that Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland’s advice line nurses are there for us makes all the difference – we know we’re not alone.”
Darlene Drummond is a lead community support co-ordinator at CHSS.
She said: “It’s desperately sad to imagine a world without our services.
“For many of the people that I support and talk to every day, I am their lifeline to the outside world – without me, there is no-one else.
“The most vulnerable, who are shielding and isolating, and trapped in their houses, their mental and physical health is being drastically affected.
“Often my phone call is the only contact that they will have in the day. Without my specialised support, there is no one else left to help them.
“This is just an example of who I’m helping every day, but the charity has people like me across Scotland helping thousands of others.”
Jane-Claire Judson, the charity’s chief executive, said: “Right now, more people in Scotland than ever before are in desperate need of our help.
“We want to make sure we are still here to support them now and in the future.
“The jobs of our lifeline nurses and support workers, like Darlene, are under serious threat.
“As a charity, we have been here for over 125 years, fighting Scotland’s biggest killers, and we won’t give up now.”
To donate to CHSS, see the website www. chss.org.uk/appeal