Glasgow helipad relay for the Stroke Association

Robin Mayhew, 41, from Bathgate, has taken it upon himself to organise a novel event to raise funds for the Stroke Association.

On Saturday 14 September, he, with14 others will take part in a continuous relay between Glasgow airport and each hospital helipad in the Glasgow area - the Golden Jubilee, Queen Elizabeth and The Royal Alexandra hospital helipads. The distance that we they plan to cover is approximately 240km, covering a variety of distances, from 10-50km each, mostly doubled up.

It is no mean feat, and Robin believes it will take about 24 hours to complete.

Robin is a team leader for The Emergency Medical Retrieval Service, part of the Scottish Ambulance Service. His 48-year-old colleague had a massive stroke, recently, initially leaving him unable to walk or talk.

Robin said:
“ The impact of the stroke on Richard has been enormous. The grit and determination he has shown alongside his resilient wife Mo, is admirable. I wanted to do something that could help raise awareness of this devastating disease, and raise funds to help others, like Richard, who need support.”

Richard and his wife, Mo, had been in London waiting to go on holiday when the stroke struck, and immediately Mo recognised her husband was having a stroke and dialled 999. Within an hour, Richard was on his way to hospital and received a pioneering treatment for stroke – thrombectomy. The operation reversed the effects of his stroke, and within a couple of days Richard was walking again. Despite making an amazing recovery thanks to the procedure he received, Richard is still under community services, currently receiving physiotherapy. He can’t wait to return to driving.

Richard said, “Having a stroke has been the biggest event in my life. Mo and I have been overwhelmed by the support our community has given us, and in this case, Robin has been amazing in demonstrating his passion for my recovery, and for the stroke cause. We’re particularly grateful to our family and friends for the support they have given to us – it’s made a huge difference to our lives going forwards.”

Andrea Watt, Relationship Fundraiser – for the Stroke Association in Scotland said:
“The type of fundraising event Robin and his team are undertaking, has never been done before in Scotland, and its novelty should capture the attention of many. I’d like to thank Richard for the amazing work he is doing to help raise the profile of stroke and raise funds to help the charity deliver services to stroke survivors like Richard. I wish Robin and his team all the absolute best. I’m sure Richard and Mo are proud of your efforts and will be cheering you along as you go.”

To sponsor Robin and the relay team, please go their JustGiving page: