TWO Glasgow women are stepping up to raise funds for a very important charity.

Alana Geddes, who lost her father John to a covid-related stroke in 2020, is hosting a gala dinner, while Marianne Donald is taking on her first full marathon. 

Both are raising money for the Stroke Association in Scotland.

Marianne, a stroke researcher at Glasgow University, is looking into the damage caused by strokes.

She is passionate about the cause and believes funding research is vital.

Glasgow Times: Marianne DonaldMarianne Donald

She said: “Stroke research is fascinating and I believe there is a great opportunity to learn more about the brain and ultimately put our research into practice to improve stroke outcomes.

"I also believe that the practical help and support the charity offers will help rebuild lives for people affected by stroke. 

"Far too many people are living with this devastating condition and more help is needed to fund research into new treatments and ongoing support to help improve recoveries after stroke.”

READ MORE: Football legend Sir Alex Ferguson backs £500k Govan docks restoration

Andrea Watt, Relationship Fundraiser in Scotland said: “Marianne is undertaking an enormous challenge – running a marathon is no mean feat. 

"We are so grateful to Marianne for supporting the stroke cause and wish her well in her efforts to increase awareness and raise funds.  Thank you!”

Alana is organising her gala dinner alongside her seven sisters in honour of their dad, former billposter man John.

John is described as a kind, loving father who always put others before himself. 

Alana said: “Despite the pressures on the NHS at the time, staff did an amazing job of looking after dad as well as ourselves.

“He got to FaceTime family and even joked with my brother in law about the football. 

"As he deteriorated, dad got to be in the same room with me (I was unwell with Covid at that time.)

"We spoke about how proud all his girls were of him and I thanked him for everything he had done for us. John passed away on November 30, 2020. He spent five days fighting.” 

Glasgow Times: Geddes familyGeddes family

Alana works as a stroke nurse and has found the personal experience of seeing her dad suffer a stroke very difficult, so she and her family are determined to raise awareness. 

The event will involve Bingo, a buffet and a raffle. 

She added: “We are raising funds for the Stroke Association as we saw how fantastic stroke care was, at a very difficult time during the pandemic. 

"We, as a family hope that by raising awareness of stroke, more people will know the signs of a stroke, and treat it as an emergency – so vital for stroke recovery.

"Any funds we raise will help other stroke survivors and families get support they require.”

Madeline Donnelly, Relationship Fundraiser for the Stroke Association in Scotland said: “It is truly amazing what Alana and her family are doing to support the charity.  Having already donated funds to the charity, we’re delighted to have their continued support of our work. 

"Funds raised will go towards raising awareness of stroke and supporting more people affected by stroke, so they rebuild their lives again."

To donate to Marianne's Just Giving page, click here.

To donate to Alana's Just Giving page, click here