Heather Stronach: Husband of cyclist killed in Edinburgh crash sets up fundraiser in her name

The husband of a cyclist who died after she was hit by a lorry has set up a JustGiving page to raise money for two charities – one of which supports cyclists’ welfare.
Watch more of our videos on Shots! 
and live on Freeview channel 276
Visit Shots! now

Martyn Stronach set up the fundraiser in his wife’s name, Heather Stronach, which has already raised well over £1,000.

The charities chosen are Sustrans and Edinburgh Dog and Cat Home as they both "meant a lot to her.”

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

Martyn said: “I’d firstly like to thank everyone for their messages of support and to those who left flowers at the scene - this really meant a lot to her family and friends.

Heather Stronach who died in a crash in November this year picture: suppliedHeather Stronach who died in a crash in November this year picture: supplied
Heather Stronach who died in a crash in November this year picture: supplied

“In Heather’s memory we are fundraising for two charities, one of which is a charity focusing on improving the network of cycle routes across the UK (Sustrans). Any support would be greatly appreciated.”

Heather tragically died in a crash on November 2 this year Portobello High Street.

A note on the fundraiser page, which has been set up with the help of Martyn’s friends Jodie and Dave, reads: “In lieu of funeral flowers, we set up a crowdfunding page to raise money towards a memorial bench and tree for Heather (link HERE)

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

"Having surpassed that target, we now want to carry on and raise funds for charities that we believe Heather would want to support.

"We set up this new page so that the charities can claim 25 per cent Gift Aid on eligible donations (this is not possible on the original crowdfunding page).”

Martyn, Jodie and Dave have since thanked those who have donated so far.

A joint statement from them read: “WOW - thank you SO much to everyone for your donations and lovely comments. Many have come from people who didn't know Heather personally and we have been so touched and comforted by this wave of support and generosity from strangers who care. It means the world to us. You are all brilliant. We are really pleased to have raised such a large amount for charity already in Heather's memory.

Hide Ad
Hide Ad

“We have overtaken our original target for Sustrans by some margin which is amazing - let's keep going and also see if we can do the same for the dogs and cats! Heather always had a soft spot for a big scruffy tomcat.”

A message from the Editor:

Thank you for reading this article. We're more reliant on your support than ever as the shift in consumer habits brought about by Coronavirus impacts our advertisers.

If you haven't already, please consider supporting our trusted, fact-checked journalism by taking out a digital subscription.