Kilmarnock Tartan Tea Party raises vital funds for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland

Daily Record

08-06-2025

The Park Hotel and local peer support group, the Killie Heartmates, joined forces to host the event
A popular Kilmarnock hotel and local cardiac exercise group throw a Tartan Tea Party to support Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS).
CHSS's inaugural Tartan Tea Parties took place across the country on Wednesday, May 21 for International Tea Day, raising much-needed funds for people affected by chest, heart and stroke conditions, as well as long covid.
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The charity has encouraged as many people as possible in the region to take part in the Tartan Tea Party, from groups of friends and family, playgroups, nurseries and schools to sports clubs, community groups and businesses.
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The Park Hotel and local peer support group, the Killie Heartmates, joined forces to host their Tartan Tea Party to support Scotland's leading health charity, Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, raising £1,283.
Sheena Thomson, from Killie Heartmates, said: "Given Killie Heartmates is a peer group of CHSS, we value their advice and support and we try to do everything we can to return the support.
"When the Tartan Tea Party was announced we felt we wanted to take part and try and give something back for all of the support we've had over the years.
"We spoke with the Park Hotel and asked if we could do something together to raise important funds and the morale of those who depend on CHSS because they do a fantastic job.
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'The day went really well. We had about 90 people there which was brilliant and everybody got into the spirit of things and enjoyed themselves. The Park Hotel were also first class with us and we want to thank them too."
Gordon Anthony, the general manager of the Park Hotel, said: "We've been working with the Killie Heartmates for a few years now.
"The group are regular users of the hotel and we're their t-shirt sponsor.
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"Sheena and John are an amazing couple. The Killie Heartmates is a fantastic group so we try to help them as much as we can."
The event was supported by Scottish baker, author, GP and Great British Bake Off finalist, Dr James Morton.
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He said: "The Tartan Tea Party is such a wonderful opportunity to bring people together to support each other and to be there for those who have been through such hardship.
"I believe we'll all know someone who has suffered from one of the many conditions that CHSS can help with, and this is our opportunity to talk about it, spread the word about the great work CHSS is doing and why you should support them."
CHSS supports people across the country living with its conditions to live their lives to the full. The charity is on hand to provide advice and support through its free Advice Line service, stroke nurses, online health information, support groups, supported self management courses and much more.
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CHSS aims to reach 175,000 people living with its conditions by 2028 through its Community Healthcare Support Services. Funds raised through activities such as the Tartan Tea Party are essential in supporting this goal.
Louise Macleod, Community Fundraiser at CHSS said: "We're delighted to see so many people, like Killie Heartmates and the Park Hotel, taking part in our inaugural Tartan Tea Party and hope everyone had an amazing day.
"At CHSS, we say 'never underestimate the power of a cup of tea'. Living with or supporting someone with one of our conditions can be challenging and events such as the Tartan Tea Party are crucial to create time for people to get together, share support and advice as well as have fun."