An Arbroath woman who overcame her own heart problems has been named Fundraising Volunteer of the Year by British Heart Foundation Scotland.
Irene Lindsay was presented with the accolade by area fundraising manager Kathy McIlwaine for her dedication to fundraising for the charity in the last three years.
The 67-year-old underwent a procedure to put stents into her heart shortly after her brother Brian suffered a heart attack eight years ago.
She recalled: “My brother had a heart attack on his 53rd birthday and that rang some warning bells in my head.
“I’d been experiencing some shoulder pain and feeling breathless without realising that was an indicator of heart problems.
“I underwent a procedure at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee. Dye was put into my heart to show up vessels which had disease. The stents were then put in to open the wall of the artery up.”
Irene became involved in fundraising when local fundraiser Helen Anderson spoke at Irene’s Angus Cardiac Fitness Group to discuss setting up a fundraising group.
The group, which also includes Norman Anderson, Lydia Livingstone, Marjory Birse, Karen Dear and Heather Reid, has been responsible for raising around £10,000 in the past three years.
“I thought it was time to give something back,” Irene said.
“One of the first events the fundraising team put on was a quiz in the British Legion which raised £700 and encouraged us to keep going.
“Since then we’ve put on raffles, concerts, bucket collections and coffee mornings.”
Modest Irene said she felt “underserving” of the award which covers the Highlands, Islands, Aberdeenshire, Aberdeen and Tayside area, because the fundraising has been a team effort.
She added: “When I was informed of the award, I felt undeserving, as I am just a cog in our small fundraising team.
“I get a lot of satisfaction out of it. I have met some amazing people and have lovely memories fundraising for the British Heart Foundation.
“My daughters Annette Stott and Kerry Bews are always very supportive and bring a lot of young people to the events.”
The group’s next fundraising venture will be a coffee morning on September 17 at the British Legion in Helen Street, Arbroath from 10am until noon.
Fundraising manager Kathy said Irene’s award was a tribute to her commitment to the charity.
She said: “Irene is always at the forefront of all events and seems to effortlessly juggle numerous tasks at one time to help bring in as much money as possible.
“I would love for other people in Arbroath to join our fight for every heartbeat in Scotland.
“Every pound raised, minute of your time and donation to our shops will help make a difference to people’s lives.”
