Wilma McKenzie is proving that age and health challenges cannot stop a rock music passion. The 87-year-old from Penicuik is preparing to attend AC/DC's concert at Murrayfield on Thursday, despite suffering a stroke earlier this year that affected her speech.
The grandmother's stroke was detected in February when her daughter noticed facial drooping during conversation. Wilma McKenzie said: "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."
The stroke primarily impacted her ability to speak, with no lasting effects on balance or mobility. Wilma McKenzie said: "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."
Determined concert preparation
Despite the health scare and hospital stay, Wilma McKenzie is determined to see the legendary rock band with her son Scott. She has been walking around her garden for ten minutes daily to build fitness for the concert experience, using a walker to help with mobility.
Wilma McKenzie 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."
Her determination has impressed healthcare professionals supporting her recovery. Wilma McKenzie said: "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."
Refusing to let aphasia limit her
The concert represents more than entertainment for Wilma McKenzie, who lives with her husband Kenny. It symbolises refusing to let her condition define her capabilities.
Wilma McKenzie said: "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."
Suzy Thomson, a nurse with Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland, provided support during Wilma McKenzie's recovery. Thomson 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."
Rare Scottish performance
The concert marks AC/DC's first Scottish performance since playing Hampden in Glasgow ten years ago. The legendary rockers will conclude their European stadium tour in Edinburgh, making this a particularly special occasion for Scottish fans.
According to the Daily Record, AC/DC has sold over 200 million albums worldwide since forming in 1973, with their 'Back In Black' album being the bestselling album by any band ever with 50 million global sales.
Sources used: "Edinburgh Live", "Daily Record" Note: This article has been edited with the help of Artificial Intelligence.
