The family of a woman who died from heart disease at just 36 has raised £400 for charity in her memory.
Jolene Richardson passed away in 2019 from ischemic heart disease, leaving behind four children.
Her devastated mum, Barbara Friel, along with Jolene’s sisters and cousins, took part in an 8K sponsored walk and were able to raise £400 for the British Heart Foundation.
Barbara, from Pumpherston, said she also wanted to raise awareness of the condition and the fact it can strike young people too.
She said: “We were pleased to raise £400 and I’d like to thank everyone who donated, also Asda for donating candles and diffusers for raffle, Tesco for donating a £50 gift voucher and Morrisons for their lovely hamper.
“Also nails by Belinda for their £35 voucher, Ameliorer Hair and Beauty for her voucher and everyone else who took part in helping us to reach our goal.
“I will be fundraising again in the near future to keep my daughter’s memory alive.”
Barbara told the Courier last month that before her death, Jolene had been admitted to hospital with a high rate, but that had been the only sign that something was wrong.
After her death, Barbara discovered there is heart disease in Jolene’s dad’s side of the family and now wants to make people aware heart disease can strike at any age.
“I’m also thinking of doing a bit of research myself looking into signs and symptoms that kind of thing. I want people to be aware that it’s not just old people that die of heart disease. I will do more fundraising for BHF and hope they can help me understand why ischemic heart disease took my daughter at 36.”
James Jopling, head of BHF Scotland, said Barbara and her family had “gone the extra mile” for the charity.
He continued: “Huge thanks and well done to Barbara for raising vital funds for our life saving research into heart and circulatory diseases.
“We are so lucky and so very grateful to have such fantastic supporters like Barbara, always prepared to go the extra mile for BHF Scotland to help us beat heartbreak forever.”
Don't miss the latest news from the West Lothian Courier. Sign up to our free newsletter here https://www.dailyrecord.co.uk/newsletter-preference-centre/
