STROKE survivors Andy Ward, 53, and Troy Johnson, 55, have taken on a challenge of a lifetime, abseiling 165 ft off the Forth Bridge to bring back Scotland’s largest charity fundraising event.
They were joined by Alan Ross, Director of Engineering and Asset Management at Network Rail along with Carol Milligan, Finance Director at Balfour Beatty, and Kirsten Sadler Balfour Beatty Stakeholder Engagement Lead.
The pair are urging adventure-seekers to sign up to take part in the ultimate abseiling experience from the iconic Forth Bridge – Scotland’s Best Loved Landmark, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, whilst raising much needed funds for Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland and other partner charities.
The event will return on 8th October 2023, 20 years on from when it first launched 2003, with over 600 abseiling places available. The abseil last took place in 2019 before taking a break due to the covid pandemic.
Since the event launched in 2003, it has raised at over £3m for charities including Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland, allowing the charity to support the 1 in 5 people across Scotland living with chest, heart and stroke conditions.
Lawrence Cowan, Director of Income Generation at Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland, said: “We’re thrilled to bring back our iconic Forth Bridge Abseil for 2023.
“Our events are all about bringing out the joy in doing good. The Forth Bridge Abseil is a great way to get your friends together, challenge yourselves and raise money to help people live life to the full. The event has raised over £3million for good causes since it launched in 2003 and we want to make this one the biggest and best yet.
“We look forward to welcoming more fantastic fundraisers to take part in the event this year, supporting us to ensure that there is no life half lived in Scotland.”
Alan Ross, Director of Engineering and Asset Management at Network Rail, said: “We can’t wait to welcome back Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland to the Forth Bridge. The abseil offers people the chance to experience the bridge in a unique and thrilling way, whilst raising money for charity. We’re delighted to lend our structure to such a worthwhile cause.”
Carol Milligan, Finance Director for Balfour Beatty’s Regional business in Scotland, said: “I was delighted to join with colleagues from Chest, Heart & Stoke Scotland and Network Rail today, to mark the 20th anniversary of the iconic Forth Bridge Abseil charity event.
“The event has raised millions for charity since its inception and we can’t wait to unlock the doors to the Forth Bridge once more, to make this year’s abseil the biggest and most successful to date.”
If you are interested in signing up for the iconic fundraising event, visit www.abseil.scot
