Cat-loving Charity Champion is Putting the Fun in Fundraising

Stroke survivor Cathy Mungall-Baldwin will take part in a purr-fect fundraiser next month to support two good causes – Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland and the Refugee Nurse’s Education Fund.

Social and Behavioural Scientist Cathy will perform at an open mic night at the Bowlers Rest pub in Leith on November 12th to raise money for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland and the Refugee Nurse’s Education Fund. 

Cathy, who is also a folk singer and jazz flautist, will perform the feline-themed fundraiser to give back to CHSS after having a stroke while she was on holiday in America in February 2022 which was caused by fibromuscular dysplasia.

The 49-year-old said: “After I had my stroke I had little family support available. As an only child of one disabled parent, I relied entirely on my friends, benefit-funded carers and charities to help me in practical terms with my recovery journey.  

“CHSS funded a stroke nurse who helped with fatigue management courses and other essential forms of support. As a charity, they rely on donor and grant funding and I’d like to help them out with 50% of the profits of this fundraiser.” 

As well as the support from CHSS she also credits her pet cat Donnie in helping aid her recovery. As a result, she will perform a series of songs inspired by her pet pal. 

She added: “I am dressing up in full costume and performing to embarrass myself and make people laugh for donations and raffle ticket sales CHSS and the Refugee Nurse’s Education Fund. 

“After a stroke three years ago, I got a wonderful cat to keep me company called Donnie who is named after my wonderful grandfather who lived in Leith as a young man.  

“To cheer myself, and my housebound mother, up when in hospital, I composed a song about my cat and a series of fun and zany raps, starting a precedent in my life for ‘cat rapping’.” 

Edinburgh-based musician Alison Beck, who has sung with Justin Timberlake, Ellie Goulding and Madonna, is composing a backing track for the songs on the night which will also raise money for the Refugee Nurse’s Education Fund. 

Cathy added: “As a child who spent time at a multi-ethnic school in a poor area of South East London with friends from refugee backgrounds, I have been a volunteer advocate for refugees during my adult life. 

“I’ve supported a refugee in Edinburgh who is attempting to retrain as a nurse at university and urgently needs funds to support their studies and I will donate 50% of donations towards their education fund.” 

To contribute to Cathy’s fundraiser go to www.gofundme.com/f/chest-heart-stroke-scotland-refugee-nurses-education. 

If you’re living with the effects of a chest, heart or stroke condition or Long Covid and are looking for advice and information, please contact Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0899. You can also text ADVICE to 66777 or email adviceline@chss.org.uk.