03 Dec 2025
Scotland’s leading health charity, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) has launched its powerful Christmas appeal this week.
CHSS exists to support the 1 in 5 people in Scotland with a chest, heart, stroke condition or Long Covid. The charity helps people like Kirsty MacLean (pictured), who had a stroke three years ago at the age of just 22.
Thanks to generous fundraisers, Kirsty has received support in her recovery from CHSS and has gone on to volunteer for the charity and is now the shop manager at the charity’s Prestwick store.
Kirsty said: “In one terrifying moment, my life changed forever. Everything I had hoped and planned for was taken away from me.
“My dream of working in childcare has gone. I can’t drive now because the stroke left me partially blind and I have to walk with a stick.
“I felt lost, alone and scared.
“But I picked myself up and started again because, thanks to you and your support for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, I can now build a new future.
“That’s why all I want this Christmas is for anyone struggling after a stroke, a heart or chest diagnosis to get the help they so desperately need.”
To donate to Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Christmas appeal, and find out more about Kirsty’s story, please go to Kirsty’s story - Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland.
If you’re living with the effects of a chest, heart or stroke condition or Long Covid and are 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.
