A fundraising campaign to save a service for stroke survivors in Perth has smashed its £30,000 target in 30 days.
Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland staff and volunteers were celebrating surpassing the total by their March 31 deadline and now hope to expand the stroke rehabilitation service throughout Tayside.
The service, which currently runs out of Perth Royal Infirmary, helps stroke survivors get their independence back after leaving hospital.
Its future was at risk, sparking a massive fundraising drive, which will also allow the service to be introduced elsewhere.
The charity is still calculating the final amount raised but thanked the people of Tayside for their generosity in helping fund the survival of the service.
Hazel Staniforth, rehabilitation support coordinator at Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland, delivers the service at Perth Royal Infirmary.
Hazel said: “I am absolutely delighted to hear that we have reached our £30,000 goal.
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“It really has been amazing to see people rally together and support the service.
“Having seen the huge difference it has had on people’s lives already, I am thrilled that we can continue helping and supporting more people in Tayside to rebuild their lives.”
Lawrence Cowan, director of communications at Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland, said the service will now continue to help survivors like Irene Smeaton and Pam West, who both backed the campaign.
Lawrence said: “Together we did it. The people of Tayside got behind us and saved our service.
“In just a few short weeks they have raised an incredible £30,000 to help stroke survivors do more than survive, they’re helping them live.
“We have been overwhelmed by the response, it really shows you what the power of community can do for people.
“Irene will get back on the bus, Pam will walk the dog again and many others like them will be able to reach their goals.
“Thanks to people’s generosity we can not only save this vital service but we can extend it.
“We hope that people will continue to support our work so that every single year we can ensure there is no life half lived in Tayside.”
Plans to expand the service throughout Tayside are still in the early stages but a spokesperson for the charity told The Courier the aim is to reach people in Dundee and Angus.
The spokesperson said: “We are planning to get more volunteers on board to help support the expansion and reach more people.
“The venue for the service will depend on the goals, it may suit people to have the service somewhere in their community.”
