Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland is inviting Scots to stay fit during lockdown
A charity is helping Scots to stay fit by inviting them to take a virtual walk in the hills.
Two stroke survivors have joined Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland’s virtual Munro Challenge, which will see hundreds of Scots conquer all 282 munros on Friday 1 May from their homes, to help others.
Chris Robinson, 40 from Aberdeen, suffered a serious stroke in November 2018. It left him unable to walk. Chris was told it would be a long time before he would walk again.
Douglas Sewell, 61 from Inverness, had a severe stroke in 2010. He struggled with everyday things like walking, speaking and eating.
Less than two years ago, Chris couldn’t walk the length of his hospital room. Douglas struggled to walk and was so fatigued from his stroke he had to crawl on his hands and knees to get to bed. But they didn’t let that stop them.
Through perseverance and determination, both men got back on their feet and have used walking challenges as a way to rebuild their lives and get back to doing the things they love.
Together they’re taking on Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s virtual Munro Challenge to raise vital funds to help other stroke survivors to get back on their feet and encourage them to keep going in their recovery journey.
Douglas, who is going to be camping in his garden for seven days leading up to his challenge to make the experience authentic and add an outdoor element, said: “Every year since the stroke I’ve tried to progress my recovery by doing something more challenging. This began with just being able to walk confidently, and then walking greater distances, walking up munros again and last year walking the Scottish National Trail (536 miles). I’ve always incorporated this with raising money for Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland. The support I received from their stroke nurse, Geraldine, really helped me to build confidence and overcome the situation.
“This challenge will help me continue to progress my recovery ad stay healthy and fit to avoid another stroke. I walked up many munros prior to my stroke and the Munro Challenge is a great way to re-connect with them, albeit virtually. It’s a great idea. I want to encourage others to stay active as well. Ten members of my family have already signed-up for the Munro Challenge. It’s a great way to stay connected during this time.
“I’m not going to let Covid-19 stop me from continuing to get healthy and fit or from doing challenges to raise money for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland.”
Chris said: “Going from walking one day to not being able to the next was a massive change for me but to be honest I never stopped to focus too much on what I couldn’t do. I was overcome with determination to get back to walking.
“With walking being the one thing that was most affected by my stroke, I wanted to create a challenge which encompassed walking. I have spent the past year learning to walk again and although I can walk now, I am still only at 80%. I have to think about every footstep before I take it.
“I had been planning to conquer 10 peaks over the course of 2020 to help me with my recovery and to raise money for Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland. They were always there at the end of the phone if I needed them.
“I didn’t want to let lockdown put my recovery journey on hold so when I found out Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland were doing the Munro Challenge; I knew it was something I wanted to do. I have worked really hard to get to where I am today and it’s great to be part of this Scotland-wide team taking on this walking challenge.”
Jane-Claire Judson, the charity’s chief executive, said: “Douglas and Chris are the perfect example of no life half lived. They didn’t let a stroke stop them from rebuilding their lives and now they’re not letting the coronavirus outbreak stop their recovery and fundraising efforts.
“It is so inspiring to see all the amazing ways that people are fundraising from their homes. We need donations now more than ever before. Because of coronavirus money for our services is running out, just when people need our help most. But you can change that. You can walk with Douglas and Chris on Friday 1st May and help raise vital funds.”
You can join Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland’s virtual Munro Challenge online.
