We were pleased to welcome Nikki Neesam, fundraising officer from Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS). Nikki very professionally described the vital work that this charity does, in helping people who have been affected - and in helping to educate. The statistics are sobering: Every day in Scotland:

25 people will have a stroke
30 people will have a heart attack
46 people will be diagnosed with heart failure
1 in 11 people will struggle to breathe because of chronic chest illness

We heard that ALL age groups can be affected and that chest, heart and stroke conditions account for 40% of all adult deaths in Scotland. More people than ever are living with chest, heart or stroke conditions and CHSS wants to help people to breathe better; people’s hearts to work as well as they can and to make sure that everyone has the best recovery they can after a stroke.

It was good to know that governance costs in the charity are low at just 1% of revenue and to hear of the many aspects of the work of CHSS - and of their plans. 

By 2021 the charity is aiming to  double the number of people supported, so that more people can get the information, advice and support they need. Services include: Advice Line, Stroke Specialist Nurses, Rehabilitation Support, Health Information, Health Defence, Education and E-learning, Financial Advice and Support andPeer Support Groups.

Nikki’s presentation was greatly appreciated and, following questions, with the club expressing its thanks in the usual way.