Two amazing Aberdeen women take on Ultimate Abseil! 26 June 2017 Two local Aberdeen ladies took a leap of faith last weekend when they abseiled SAS style from the iconic Forth Rail Bridge to raise money and support Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland. Marjorie Donaldson, who just recently turned 75 ticked the No 1 thing off her bucket list last weekend by abseiling off the Forth Rail Bridge for CHSS. Marjorie said, “I truly enjoyed every minute although climbing out over the railings was a bit scary! Raising over £800 for Chest Heart and Stroke was for me the icing on the cake. Myself and my husband have both experienced stroke illness in the family and I wanted to give something back. The moment I arrived at registration to the landing on the beach after the SAS style drop was just wonderful thanks to all the staff and volunteers at the event. I really enjoyed the whole experience, they even sang happy birthday to me over the loudspeaker system!” (Insert Marjorie image) Catherine Bamlett’s incentive for taking part in the 165ft drop abseil was her passion for supporting people in Aberdeen living with Pulmonary Fibrosis. Catherine who is an Interstitial Lung Disease Specialist Nurse has been instrumental in developing and supporting the Grampian Pulmonary Fibrosis Support Group that meets in Bridge of Don and is affiliated to CHSS. Catherine said “it was a fantastic experience and I was delighted to be able take part in such a special event and to raise funds in excess of £1000 for the local group. ” (Insert Catherine image) CHSS Event Manager Rachel Morrison, said: “We are delighted to say that participants and their supporters raised more than £99,700 for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland at this year’s Ultimate abseil. It is with thanks to people like Marjorie and Catherine who make this event such a memorable day. The amount raised is absolutely phenomenal and will help improve the quality of life for people in Scotland after a stroke or a diagnosis of a chest or heart condition ensuring that they get the support and services they badly need.” Rachel said “Our supporters who took part were amazing! We are always overwhelmed at how much people raise for us and the motivation people have to support us, I’d like to thank them all and our incredible volunteers, we really couldn’t run the event without you. Thank you also to Network Rail and Balfour Beatty for their kind permission and incredible support. Finally, thank you to the Hawes Inn for their great hospitality.” Our supporters have, to date, raised over £1million for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland by taking part in this event! Don’t miss out – register now to take part in the Forth Rail Bridge Abseil on Sunday 15th October 2017 for more information and to register, visit www.UltimateAbseil.com or call 0300 1212 333. ENDS Photo Caption 1: Marjorie Donaldson ticking off her bucket list during her abseil. Photo caption 2: Catherine Bamlett, abseiling for Grampian Pulmonary Fibrosis Grp. Media enquiries: Katy Aitken, Senior Press Officer Tel: 0131 225 6963; email:katy.aitken@chss.org.uk Date: 1st June 2017 Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland 2nd Floor, Hobart House 80 Hanover Street Edinburgh EH2 1EL