Coatbridge Family Fundraiser to Support Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland 

A Coatbridge family will host a special fundraiser next week to pay tribute to a popular dad, husband and granda. 

Gary’s Walk, which takes place on April 18th at Strathclyde Park, will honour Gary Tumilty who died of a stroke last April. 

Friends, family and colleagues will stroll around Strathclyde Park to raise funds for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland in the fundraiser organised by Gary’s wife, Alison. 

Alison, 61, said: “Gary died from a stroke last year completely out of the blue. He went to bed one night and woke up and had a massive stroke. 

“He was known as the Walking Man in our estate because he walked everywhere. During Covid-19 he was out three to four times a day because he worked from home. 

“We thought to honour the first year of his passing we’d have a charity walk for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland because if he survived, he would’ve needed your services.” 

Gary’s popularity is best summed up by the turnout; more than 50 people will make the journey. And it will start off with a fitting reminder of Gary. 

Primary teacher Alison added: “I’ve got rolls and sausage, Irn-Bru and water for everybody because Gary started his Saturday breakfast with that so I’m giving everyone an energy boost.  

“It’s just amazing and I can’t get over the response to the walk. He was well known and loved by everybody.” 

Alison is hoping Gary’s Walk can become an annual event to bring people together to remember lost loved ones. 

She said: “It’s a remembrance walk for anyone who’s lost someone, it’s a good chance to have a chat as we walk around and remember people. 

“This is my way of saying thanks to CHSS for all the work you do with people. 

“It’s going to be a happy day, it’s not to be a sad day because Gary would’ve loved to have walked this walk for someone else. 

“If it only happens this year, it’s a nice one year anniversary memory but hopefully it can become an annual event.” 

Elaine Thomson, Community Events & Corporate Fundraiser at CHSS, said: “We thank Alison and her family for organising such a thoughtful and touching fundraiser for CHSS. 

“Gary’s Walk will bring people together, create wonderful memories and community spirit, while helping us continue our vital work supporting the 1 in 5 people across Scotland affected by chest, heart and stroke conditions.” 

To donate to Alison’s fundraiser please go to www.justgiving.com/page/garys-walk. 

For more information on how to fundraise for CHSS, visit www.chss.org.uk/supportus/fundraise-for-us/. 

If you’re living with the effects of a chest, heart or stroke condition or Long Covid and are looking for advice, information, or access to our services in your local area, 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.