A CUMNOCK businesswoman who suffered a stroke has raised thousands of pounds for the hospital team that helped her to a full recovery.
Marion Gilliland, owner of Presents and Correct on Townhead Street, recently contributed £6,260 to the acute stroke unit at University Hospital Crosshouse.
The cash was raised thanks to the loyalty and support of Marion's customers.
In October 2022, Marion suffered a stroke and was admitted to the acute stroke unit at the Ayrshire hospital.
Following her initial treatment, Marion, who was named as Scotland's High Street Hero in 2022, was also seen by the stroke specialist team who cared and guided her through the 20 months that followed.
While Marion was recovering from the stroke, she posted a video on her store's Facebook page for stroke awareness, which reached over 12,000 people.
Being very much involved with her local community in Cumnock, the business owner reached out to her loyal customers to support her fund-raising by holding a raffle for the chance to win a £650 Katie Loxton Bag a Bundle.
Speaking about the support, Marion said: “I am very grateful for the care and treatment I received throughout my journey and this was my opportunity to thank staff and give something back to help others.
“I was overwhelmed by the support of my customers and local community through my period of ill health.
"So when I launched my fund-raiser, the support behind me yet again was very humbling.
"The loyalty of my customers allowed me to alter my opening days to suit with my current health and people have been happy to work around me.
"I knew that their generosity would shine through when I started this fund-raiser and I knew we'd be able to raise a great amount of money, but to raise that much was incredible.
"People and customers are the backbone of a business and they were amazing with me when I had the scare and supporting me through it and beyond that."
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Visiting the acute stroke unit for the first time following her ill health, Marion presented the ward staff with a cheque for more than £6,000.
Charge nurse Christine Somerville added: “On behalf of all the staff from the acute stroke unit, we thank you for your generous donation.
"We are very grateful to Marion for her wonderful fundraising efforts and for her kind donation to the unit.
“The money raised will make a significant difference to so many patients and their families at a real difficult time. The generosity shown is a testament to you and your local community.”
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