Lunch time meeting -- Andrea Cail Director of the Stroke Association

On Thursday 16^th January 2020 President Ewen Macdonald welcomed 21 Club Rotarians, guest speaker Andrea Cail and Derry Mcdermid guest of Geoff Sampson, to our lunch time meeting, which was held at the Gilvenbank Hotel, Glenrothes. 

On reception, this week was Peter May with Iain Oates saying grace.

Our speaker this week was Andrea Cail, Director of the Stroke Association Scotland. She advised us of the work of the stroke association in Scotland. Under the banner of ‘rebuilding lives after stroke’, the charity has three main goals; to make stroke a priority, to ensure everyone who has had a stroke has access to the best possible rehabilitation and to support local communities to take action on stroke. Andrea described some of the ground breaking research into the prevention and treatment of stroke which has been funded over the last twenty years by the charity in Scotland including the new treatments which are now available. She shared the work being done to encourage the Scottish Government to consider evidence from the UK and Europe to think differently about how stroke treatment is organised in Scotland to improve the chances of the best possible recovery after a stroke. Providing support to people after stroke includes; providing up to date information; a national stroke helpline; life after stroke grants and a web portal called My Stroke Guide. The importance of stroke prevention and understanding the causes of stroke were also discussed.

A stroke happens when the blood supply to part of the brain is interrupted. As a result, brain cells get less of the oxygen and nutrients that they need. Some brain cells can become damaged and others can die. This can cause different effects depending on where it happens in your brain. Ischaemic stroke - this type of stroke occurs when a blood clot blocks one of the arteries that carries blood to the brain. About 85 in every 100 strokes are ischaemic. Haemorrhagic stroke - this type of stroke occurs as a result of bleeding from a burst blood vessel, in or around the brain. About 15 in every 100 strokes are haemorrhagic. A stroke is a medical emergency. Urgent treatment is essential because the sooner a person receives treatment for a stroke, the better the outcome is likely to be. If you think that you or someone else is having a stroke Think FAST and phone 999 immediately and ask for an ambulance.

The Rotary vote of thanks was given by Iain Oates.

At the talk President Ewen Macdonald presented a cheque for £250 from the club, to Andrea Cail Director of the Stroke Association, Scotland to support their ongoing research.

The annual Swimarathon fundraiser will take place on 1st March 2020 if you are interested in entering a team please contact us by PM on Facebook.

The main Rotary fundraiser being the Sportsman’s dinner takes place at the Gilvenbank Hotel on Friday 3^rd April 2020 Tickets costing £30 with our speakers being Ex referee Stuart Dougal, Comedian Connor Burns and Compere Willie Allan MBE.

This coming week’s meeting on Thursday 23^rd January 2020 will be an evening meeting to be held at the Gilvenbank Hotel. please meet at 6.15pm for a 6.30pm start. This week is our Scots evening with entertainment from pupils from the 3 Local High Schools.

14 Rotarians. Partners and friends enjoyed their visit to the Lundin Links Hotel where The Rotary Club of Leven were holding their Annual Burns Supper and what a great night of entertainment it turned out to be.

If you were interested in supporting the community and international projects get in touch by Private message on The Rotary Club of Glenrothes Facebook page. You will be made most welcome