Bearsden teacher’s emotional tribute to mum who died after holiday bug

Lynsey Grierson, from Bearsden, was left devastated after her mother, Adele, was diagnosed with heart failure in 2016 after she contracted a virus when on holiday that attacked her heart.

Now she has raised more than £1200 for Scotland’s largest health charity, Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland, in her mum’s memory.

Lynsey, who is mum to two daughters, took part in a 10k and the Supernova Kelpies night race in 2021 and 2023 to raise money for the charity.

Lynsey Grierson wants to keep her mum's memory alive (Image: Sourced)

Explaining her motivation behind her fantastic fundraising activity, Lynsey said: “My mum was incredibly unwell at first and it took doctors a long time to diagnose the heart failure.

“She did get better for a while and was looking after herself really well, doing cardio classes and taking her medication.

“She continued to live her life to the fullest and in 2017 we went on holiday to Lanzarote as a family, which is a really lovely memory to have.

“The last time I saw my mum was the day before she died. She was the same cheery and wonderful lady as always.

“The day she passed away she had felt a bit sick that morning but had done her cardio class as usual and had looked after my eldest daughter that day.

“She died very suddenly in her sleep that night.”

Lynsey Grierson (Image: Sourced)

Lynsey explained how when she turned 40 in 2019 she looked for a challenge to improve her fitness and to remember her mum. She took part in the 10k to raise funds for charity and give back to other people living with heart conditions in Scotland.

Lynsey said: “Since then I have taken part in another two challenges for the charity, most recently running the Supernova Kelpies night race.

“It’s a fantastic event with a great atmosphere. Running at night with the lights and music really make it special.

“I’m delighted to have been able to help fundraise for Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland so that they can help other people living with heart failure just like my mum.”

Louise MacLeod, events fundraiser at Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Lynsey for her fantastic efforts. She truly is a fundraising hero!

“The money raised by Lynsey in memory of her mum will allow us to provide essential support to the thousands of people across Scotland who are living with chest, heart and stroke conditions, ensuring that there is no life half lived.”