Pensioner ACDC fan battles back from stroke for Murrayfield gig
A rock n roll gran who survived a stroke earlier this year has vowed nothing will stop her from seeing AC/DC storm the stage in Edinburgh tomorrow.
Wilma McKenzie, 87, from Penicuik, Midlothian, was left struggling to speak after experiencing a stroke in February. The gran had been spending the day with her daughter, when she noticed her face drooping and Wilma struggled to speak.
The gran explained: "My daughter was speaking to me, and suddenly said 'oh, your face is twisting'. She called the doctors and they took me straight to the infirmary.
'I didn't have any twists or turns or anything like that, I just couldn't speak. I try hard and sometimes I'm fine and other times I can struggle. That's the only lasting impact.
'I didn't have any issues with my balance after the stroke it was just my speech. It's just one of those things; everybody is different after a stroke.'
After spending a couple of days in hospital Wilma said she felt lucky, as she suffered no lasting effects beyond some trouble with her speech.
Now, Wilma, who lives with her husband Kenny, is buzzing to see the band's first performance in Scotland since they played Hampden in Glasgow 10 years ago. She has even been practicing walking up and down her garden to get fit enough for the gig.
Hoping to see the show with her son Scott, she wants to show that aphasia doesn't have to hold you back.
Wilma said: 'I've always said a little AC/DC would never hurt anybody! I'm into rock and roll music and I was listening to Planet Rock on the radio when Scott told me that AC/DC were playing Murrayfield. I texted him saying I'd treat him if he could get tickets.
'I've said even if they have to wheel or carry me into Murrayfield, I'll be there to see them. I'm going! I just don't want to aphasia to stop me doing things I want to do. I know it's different for others, but I won't allow myself to lie down to it.
"The nurse at the hospital came to see me, and I said to her 'I've just got a ticket for AC/DC and I'm still hopeful of going'. She said she found that inspirational.
"It was definitely something to work towards. I've got a walker to help me walk, and I've been walking around the garden for 10 minutes every day to get me fit for it. I don't know if I'll be down the front though."
Suzy Thomson, a nurse with Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland, gave Wilma support and advice as she recovered.
She said: "Wilma is a very social lady but had lost confidence following her stroke. On my last home visit Wilma said she was starting to go out again to see friends and had been back to her club, the Evergreens, which was lovely to hear.
"Even when she was finding it very challenging to communicate, Wilma's strength of character and sense of humour were evident, and I'm looking forward to hearing all about the AC/DC gig when I see her for her six-month review."
The legendary rockers will conclude their European stadium tour in Edinburgh on Thursday, August 21.
The band formed in 1973 in Sydney, Australia, and are one of the most influential rock bands in history, with over 200 million albums sold worldwide.
Their 'Back In Black' LP is the 'bestselling album by any band ever' and the 'third bestselling album by any artist' with global sales of 50 million and counting.
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