Holly Macdonald-Atterson, a teacher from Newton Mearns, felt her world change when her husband Michael suffered two strokes and a bacterial heart infection at the age of 30.

Doctors discovered he had been suffering from endocarditis, a bacterial infection that attacks the inner lining of the heart, for months before he had his first stroke.

While recovering from the first stroke, Michael suffered a second — an aneurysm — that left him unable to walk or speak and required immediate surgery.

Holly, 32, said: “Our lives were turned upside down in March 2023.

“Just weeks later, he would undergo open heart surgery to replace his aortic valve.

“It goes without saying this was an immensely difficult time for Michael and those close to him.

“Yet through it all, Michael remained determined to recover.”

Holly and Michael on their wedding day (Image: Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland)

With the help of quick intervention, timely treatment, rehabilitation and support from CHSS, Michael managed to make a good recovery.

A thrombectomy helped to remove the blood clot, and intensive rehabilitation helped him to get back on his feet.

CHSS supported his recovery and put him in touch with a group for young stroke survivors, where he was able to share his experiences.

Holly said: “We are so grateful for the incredible progress Michael has made on his journey, but there were some exceptionally tough moments along the way where he needed support from people who really understood what he’d been through.

“That’s where Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland stepped in.

“They helped us to find hope again, and to see that a bright future is possible for stroke survivors.”

After going through their traumatic ordeal, the couple got engaged just before Christmas 2023 and were married in June last year.

Holly and Michael were married last June (Image: Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland)

Michael said: “I can look ahead to a wonderful future with Holly, and I know that the support I got from Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland has helped make that possible.”

In appreciation of the support CHSS provided to the couple during Michael’s recovery, Holly will be taking on the Edinburgh Half Marathon to raise as much money as she can for the organisation. 

You can support Holly’s efforts by donating to her online fundraising page:  https://tinyurl.com/ywrbamk8.

Holly will run the Edinburgh half-marathon to raise funds for CHSS (Image: Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland)

For more information about CHSS, including details on how to fundraise for the charity, visit the Charity‘s website.

If you’re looking for advice and information about living  with the effects of a chest, heart or stroke condition or Long Coid, contact Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0899.

You can also text ADVICE to 66777 or email adviceline@chss.org.uk.