Occupational Therapy service benefits from Preoccupied fundraiser

NHS Western Isles would like to express its heartfelt thanks to local teenager Luc Smith, who has donated an incredible £2,000 to the NHS Western Isles Occupational Therapy service following a successful community fundraising event.

Luc’s band, Preoccupied, hosted a fundraising gig at Laxdale Hall on 29th August, raising money for the Monday Stroke Club, the Scottish Air Ambulance and NHS Western Isles Occupational Therapy.

At the age of 16, Luc became unwell while rehearsing with his band and was later diagnosed as having suffered a stroke caused by a Patent Foramen Ovale (PFO), which is a small opening in the heart that had not closed after birth.

Following his diagnosis, Luc underwent successful surgery to repair the PFO and continues to recover well. As a way of giving back to the services that supported him throughout his journey, Luc and his family organised the fundraising event to thank those who provided care, encouragement and support during his recovery. The event was a huge success, raising an outstanding £7,152.11 in total.

Sonja Smit, Occupational Therapy Services Manager/AHP Mental Health Lead, NHS Western Isles, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Luc for his generous donation and for choosing to support Occupational Therapy through his fundraising efforts. This donation will help us continue to support patients on their own rehabilitation journeys.”