Chest Heart and Stroke charity and Forres butcher team up to help stroke survivor
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Stroke patient David Jackson was worried about where his next meal was coming from until Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland and Forres butcher Fraser Bros got together to organise and deliver his weekly shop.
Retired primary school teacher David (66) from Elgin found himself running out of food during lockdown and was literally counting out his last few meals in the freezer.
But thankfully, his regular call from Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s community support coordinator, Paula Leask came just in time.
David had a serious stroke in 2018, which left him unable to walk or talk. Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland supported David to return home from hospital, and back into the community where they helped him with his speech and mobility, and he regained his confidence
David said: “I was worried I would run out of food completely. I thought to myself what am I going to do? I can’t leave the house. I’m stuck in isolation and my supplies were running very low.
“I looked in my freezer and carefully counted out my meals to see how long it would stretch until things got really serious, and it was quite terrifying. I didn’t have enough food to last beyond a few days let alone weeks or months.
“I started to panic but then Paula from Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland called and asked how I was coping with self-isolation.
“She told me not to worry and that together we would find a solution. Amazingly Paula tracked down a butcher in Forres that would be able to deliver to my house.”
Paula said: “I could sense how distressed and anxious David was, but I was able to help ease his worry’s and told him we’d sort it out between us. I got on the phone to Fraser Bros butchers in Forres and they were happy to deliver.
“I called the butchers and was able fill them in on David’s disappointment and they were delighted to help. I took the time to explain that when David called them back to place his order that they would need to give him a wee bit of time to explain what he needed and time for him to process the conversation, due to his stroke and him having aphasia. The butchers were really engaged and more than happy to oblige.”
Within half an hour David called the butcher, he was able to take his time, and complete his order over the phone himself.
David said: “I rang the butcher to place my order and they were really kind and helpful over the phone, and even delivered that day. They were fantastic I can’t thank them enough.
“I’ve now got steak, mince and chops to last me for weeks now, as well as fresh fruit and veg, and it feels like such a relief to have food in the house again.
“With all these feelings of anxiety about being in isolation, and not knowing what is coming next, knowing that I won’t go hungry or struggle to find food is such a weight off my mind.”
Butcher, Graeme Duffus from Fraser Bros Butchers said: “We had just started to look at delivering to households in our local community when we first heard from Paula. Donna who takes the calls gave David that extra wee bit time and we were all really pleased to help him.
"It’s great that we are able to help so many people in the community get their shopping at this time and it was plain to see how chuffed David was with his delivery when we dropped it off.”
It meant a great deal for David to have the help to make this call on his own and he wouldn’t have been able to take control of this without the help of Paula.
David added: “Paula is fantastic and made me feel good about myself again. She gave me the confidence to phone and place my order – something that really would have been impossible just a year ago.
“When I first had my stroke, I couldn’t speak at all. I couldn’t even count to ten, so being able to pick up the phone and place an order is a real achievement.
“Paula has helped me so much since having the stroke and even in lockdown she is there for me.
“And despite not seeing each other in person, she’s still helping me with my speech over the phone and online rehab exercises too. She even recorded hand exercise videos for me, so I can keep up with my rehab at home.
“Paula had the same type of stroke as I did, so she completely understands what I’m going through and how I’m feeling – and I feel lucky to have her in my life.”
Jane-Claire Judson, chief executive Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland said: “It’s so inspiring to hear about the amazing community spirit that we are experiencing across Scotland right now. People living with chest, heart and stroke conditions are so vulnerable, but knowing that our staff, volunteers and people in our local communities are all being so kind and pulling together during the covid-19 pandemic to support one another is truly heartwarming.
“At Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland we want to make sure that no one is fighting coronavirus on their own. If you know someone who needs help like David, with shopping, or even to simply chat to someone over the phone, we are here for you. Please pick up the phone and give us call us today and we will match you with a volunteer in your area. We are here to help.”
To get help from Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland while you are isolating please call their Advice Line on 0808 801 0899 or register at www.scotlandagainstcoronavirus.org or to help the charity to continue to help people like David please give what you can at www.chss.org.uk/appeals
