Three sudden cardiac arrest survivors in the Highlands and Islands are looking to arrange an exciting get-together for other survivors and rescuers in the region.
Supported by Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK (SCA UK) and Lucky2bhere, the event will bring together survivors, rescuers and family members who may not have ever met someone else who has had similar experiences.
Michelle Macleod from Stornoway, Isle of Lewis; Maclean Macleod originally from the Isle of Lewis, and Emma Campbell from Inverness are all Sudden Cardiac Arrest survivors and have volunteered to be regional representatives for SCA UK.
Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK has been arranging regional meet ups across the UK in response to feedback from survivors, rescuers and their families who tell them that support services following this life changing experience are lacking and many survivors feel immense feelings of loss, isolation and loneliness following the event.
SCA survivor Emma Campbell said:
“Recovery after a Sudden cardiac arrest is not just physical but also dealing with the emotional impact.
“Being a member of Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK Facebook group has provided me with an online community who know the impact this has on your life as well as the wider impact on family members.
“I had never spoken with another survivor until I met Michelle and MacLean.
“It would be lovely to get people together to provide a support network both online but also the opportunity to meet face to face.”
SCA survivor, Maclean Macleod, originally from the Isle of Lewis, said:
“In April 2022 I had an out of hospital cardiac arrest and was fortunate to survive.
“After a few weeks being well cared for in hospital I was discharged and cast adrift with no professional support whatsoever.
“It would have made a huge difference to me If I could have found a local support group where I could have met fellow survivors.
“This is why I fully support the SCA UK initiative to try and establish a peer support group in the Highlands and Islands.”
SCA survivor, Michelle Macleod said:
“We are a group of three survivors in the region who have come together with a shared experience of Sudden Cardiac Arrest.
“It is not common to meet another survivor, so we all know the value of these meet ups.
“We are at the early stages of organising an event in this area which could be in-person, online or both.
“If you are an SCA survivor; family member of a SCA survivor, or a rescuer, please get in touch to let us know if you would be interested in attending either an in-person event or online.
“We have also set up a private Facebook page for group working and communication, so please do join this group or email me at michellemacleod38@gmail.com and let’s build a community of survivors in the Highlands and Islands.”
Email michellemacleod38@gmail.com
Sudden Cardiac Arrest UK, Scotland North | Facebook
For more details on Sudden Cardiac Arrest Uk please visit www.suddencardiacarrestuk.org
