Lewis woman is supporting ChristMASK

The charity’s ChristMASK Day initiative calls for everyone to don a festive face-covering on December 4 and donate £5 to help people living with chest, heart and stroke conditions. People can sign up at www.christmaskday.com.

Norma’s Gran suffered a series of major strokes and sadly passed away in 2003. Since then, Norma has been passionate about helping stroke survivors rebuild their lives.

In her job as a Care and Support Assistant, Norma is one of the main carers for a stroke patient on the Isle of Lewis.

Before this, Norma was a relief auxiliary in the NHS where she helped stroke patients on their rehabilitation journey. She also volunteered with Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, supporting people to live their lives to the full after a stroke.

Now Norma wants to spread a little Christmas cheer while helping raise vital funds to support stroke survivors in Scotland.

Norma said: “I have supported Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland for many years because it is a charity very close to my heart. My Gran suffered major strokes in her life and sadly that’s what took her in the end. My mother has also suffered a small stroke which slightly affected her speech and she has slight weakness in her left side.

“When I worked as a relief auxiliary in the NHS, my favourite ward was the stroke rehabilitation unit. I find it a joy to work with stroke survivors on their journey to recovery. It’s also really rewarding to help them; every little bit of progress is precious. In my current job, as a Care and Support Assistant, I am helping stroke survivors rebuild their lives at home.

“Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland and the work that they do really means a lot to me and that’s why I wanted to take part in their festive Christmask Day. I’d encourage others to get involved and raise vital funds for stroke survivors!”

Jane-Claire Judson, Chief Executive at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland said: “We are delighted to have Norma taking part in our Christmask Day and we are so thankful for all her support over the years.

“Norma is a true inspiration and has made a huge difference to the lives of stroke survivors across Scotland.

“ChristMASK Day is going to be a fun day for everyone to wear a festive face mask and raise vital funds to support people struggling during the pandemic.

“We all need a bit more joy in our lives right now and that’s what Christmask Day is all about – having festive fun while raising vital funds to help people do more than survive and really live.”

If you’d like to join Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Christmask Day on Friday, December 4 you can sign-up by visiting www.christmaskday.com