Black Isle pianist goes on the run to donate £1200 to pelvic physio team at Invergordon County Community Hospital after life-changing treatment
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A GRATEFUL Black Isle pianist hit the right note with an Easter Ross medical team after deciding to give something back following life-changing treatment.
Catriona MacKenzie (24), from Culbokie, was close to breaking point when she was first referred to the pelvic physio team at Invergordon County Community Hospital, unsure whether she would be able to continue her university studies.
She said: “I had been suffering with chronic pelvic pain since 2018 and I was at my breaking point when I got referred to see them.
“I didn’t think that I would be able to continue my university studies and I was struggling to see myself living a normal life again.
“My experience with Alison Clarke there was nothing but positive. She listened to everything I had to say and was extremely understanding of what I was going through, and made me feel safe and comfortable at every appointment.
“I had never heard of pelvic health physiotherapy, and I only wish I had been referred to the department sooner as the other treatment options came with a lot of negative side effects.”
Her bounce back from the depths of despair has been little short of inspirational.
Having been a tentative patient at Invergordon in 2021, she decided to take on the challenge of a fundraiser to try and pay back the debt of gratitude she felt.
That took form of a poignant 5k run – unthinkable prior to treatment – to help raise money to buy vital equipment for the service.
And thanks to the treatment, Ms MacKenzie was able to continue her studies and graduate with a first class honours degree from the Royal Conservatoire of Scotland.
She also trains at gymnastics up to six hours per week as well as doing weightlifting.
That’s truly remarkable given that two years ago, even being able to walk around the garden each day was a success.
She added: "I ran the 5K with my dad because he was a great support to me when I was unwell, and it felt amazing to be able to run the whole race together.
"I just wanted to be able to give something back to the department as I am so grateful for the treatment they gave me.
"I feel so grateful to everyone for donating to our fundraiser, and I didn’t expect to raise this much money. "
Pelvic health physiotherapist at Invergordon County Community Hospital., Alison Clarke, said: “We are extremely grateful to Catriona for her very generous and thoughtful donation.
“We will use the money to purchase equipment which will help teach women, men and young people who suffer from pelvic pain, bladder and bowel problems how to strengthen and relax their pelvic floor muscles.
“Many people do not realise these problems can be treated very effectively with physiotherapy, and often delay seeking help – sometimes for many years. It is also a common misconception that only older people are affected.
“I was absolutely thrilled that Catriona was able to continue her university studies and resume sport following her treatment – and she has done amazingly to complete the 5k race. We are very proud of her and thankful for her kind donation.”
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