That the Parliament commends the work of Gilmerton resident, Izzy Pickard, who volunteers at the Stroke Association’s hub at the Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh; understands that Izzy had a stroke when she was born and uses her lived experience to help newly-diagnosed stroke survivors and their families; recognises that Izzy’s own stroke resulted in left-side cerebral palsy and visual impairment but, with the support of a personal trainer, she has built strength and confidence, which has allowed her to volunteer; congratulates Izzy for the creation of her video, Life Through a Volunteer’s Eyes, for her media course at Edinburgh College, where she reflects on her volunteering with the Stroke Association and interviews other people impacted by stroke; understands that someone has a stroke in Scotland every 49 minutes and timely treatment is essential to save lives and reduce the risk of disability; notes that 1 to 7 June 2026 marks Volunteers' Week, for which Izzy acts as an inspirational example, and passes on its best wishes both to Izzy and the Stroke Association for the work that they do to improve outcomes for people affected by stroke.
Supported by: Dawn Black, Martyn Day