Tayside energy business has watt it takes to raise charity funds

28/10/2024
The fundraising team at the Forth Bridge

Over 300 fundraisers took part in one of Scotland’s most iconic fundraising events to raise funds for 21 charities last weekend (Sunday 13 October) including the team at Tayside-based energy consultants Here’s the Plan.  

This takes the total number of people braving the bridge in 2024 to almost 900 following the summer event that took place in June this year.  

Fundraisers headed to South Queensferry to abseil 165 feet from one of Scotland’s best loved landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, raising essential funds for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland and partner charities.  

The event is run by Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, alongside event partners Network Rail and Balfour Beatty. The abseil has been running since 2003, returning last year after a break due to pandemic restrictions.   

So far, the October event has raised more than £55,000 for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, a fantastic amount that further enables the charity to support the 1 in 5 people across Scotland living with chest, heart and stroke conditions. Donations are still coming in following the event.  

For Tayside energy consultants Here’s the Plan, a team of six brave fundraisers scaled the famous bridge. Christian Williams, Sam Grace, Douglas Reid, Ben Frame, Rowan Charity and Gordon Barlow all took part in the fundraiser on Sunday. 

Christian, the head of commercial services at Here’s the Plan, said: “We’ve had a number of people in the business who have experience of chest, heart and stroke conditions either personally or through a family member so we decided to do something to support Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland.  

“I think everyone has a story that connects them to a chest, heart or stroke condition. It’s a cause that’s quite close to our company. 

“We’d never done anything as big as this as a team in my time at the company. It’s something a little bit different. 

“When you take on a challenge like this you really hope that people will get behind you. We’re really grateful for the support we’ve had so far.” 

Jayne Forbes, Assistant Director of Fundraising at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, said: “Once again we’ve been blown away by the number of people taking part in the Forth Bridge Abseil to support CHSS and other charities.  

“We are hugely grateful to everyone who took part to raise essential funds for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, allowing us to continue to support the 1 in 5 people in Scotland living with chest, heart and stroke conditions and Long Covid.”  

Alan Ross, Director of Engineering and Asset Management, Network Rail Scotland said: “Network Rail has a proud history of supporting Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland and the Forth Bridge abseil. Sunday was another fantastic day, with over 300 thrill-seekers enjoying this magnificent structure.”   

Colin Hardie, Construction Superintendent at Balfour Beatty, said: “We are proud to have been part of the Forth Bridge Abseil and applaud everyone who bravely participated to support those living with heart, chest, and stroke conditions in Scotland.

“The event was a success with vital funds raised for this incredibly important cause.” 

To donate to Here’s the Plan’s fundraiser please go to: www.justgiving.com/page/heres-the-plan

To find out more about fundraising for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, visit www.chss.org.uk/supportus/fundraise-for-us   

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