Lanark Grammar School pupils support Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland with fundraising week

A South Lanarkshire secondary school has spent a week raising funds and awareness of a national health charity.

Lanark Grammar School chose Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) as the beneficiary of its annual charity week, running from 5 to 9 October.

Pupils planned a programme of fundraising and awareness-raising activities, including a catwalk featuring clothes from the CHSS charity shop in Lanark, a sixth-year sleepover in the school hall, and a dance-off with teachers. Some pupils are also planning to take part in a half marathon to raise money for the charity.

There was also a treasure hunt around Lanark that encouraged pupils to locate the town’s defibrillators and learn why they are important in an emergency. The school hopes to work closely with the CHSS charity shop on Lanark High Street so pupils can see how their fundraising supports people in their community.

So far, from the fundraising efforts, the school has raised £2,659 for CHSS.

Ruby Armour, Vice School Captain at Lanark Grammar School, said: “We really want pupils to feel connected to the charity and see the impact their fundraising can have within our local community. By finding the defibrillators around Lanark, pupils can also learn where they are and how important they can be in an emergency.

“We also worked closely with the CHSS shop on Lanark High Street so pupils feel connected to the charity and see the impact that their fundraising can have within our local community.”

At the end of the week, the CHSS community services team visited the school to speak to fifth and sixth-year pupils about chest, heart, stroke and Long Covid conditions supported by the charity. The presentation included a video about CHSS services and information on the FAST campaign, which helps people recognise the signs of stroke.

Lynne Boal, the charity’s community services coordinator for Lanarkshire, said: “It is important for young people to understand these conditions. Some may pursue careers in healthcare, while others may need to support older relatives, so this knowledge could make a real difference in the future.”

Bronwyn Tibbs, community services coordinator with CHSS, added: “The pupils were attentive and engaged throughout. Several asked about volunteering afterwards, and one sought advice about a relative who had experienced a stroke. Their response showed why visits like this matter: they give young people practical information and connect them with support when they need it.”

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.