Thrill-Seekers Sought for Mammoth Fundraising Event 26 February 2024 Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland in partnership with Network Rail and Balfour Beatty is bringing back the Forth Bridge Abseil for 2024 Sign-ups for the fundraising event are now open A call has gone out for daredevils across the country to swing into action as one of Scotland’s biggest fundraising events returns this summer. Registrations have opened today (Friday 23rd February) for the Forth Bridge Abseil which is run by Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, in partnership with Network Rail and Balfour Beatty. Taking place on Sunday, 16th June, adventure-seekers will abseil 165 feet from the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site for good causes. Since the event launched in 2003, more than £3m has been raised 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 and Long Covid. The abseil made a triumphant return in October last year after a hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic with 34 charities raising more than £305,000 as 600 people abseiled off the iconic landmark. Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland raised over £120,000, which is equivalent to 6,170 hours of vital one to one support to help somebody adjust after a hospital stay following a stroke, heart attack or due to a chest condition or Long Covid. Steve Winstanley, 71, is a retired meteorologist and former RAF reservist, who lives in Crossgates, Fife. Last year, Steve took part in the Forth Bridge Abseil to raise vital funds for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland in memory of his mum, Gladys, who suffered a stroke in her 90s. Steve, who lives in Crossgates, Fife, said: “My wife saw the advert for the abseil, and it made perfect sense to take part. Not only have I seen first-hand the effects of stroke on someone close to me, I also play walking football, and Walking Football Scotland is now affiliated with Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland. It all just chimed with me. “I also play golf with several people who have also had strokes. You only have to speak to one person to realise how many people are affected by conditions like chest, heart and stroke, and I emphasised that to people when I was fundraising for the abseil – we all know someone.” Assistant Director of Fundraising at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, Jayne Forbes said: “It is fantastic to be bringing the Forth Bridge Abseil back for 2024 “We had an amazing response to last year’s event with hundreds of people from across the country challenging themselves to raise vital funds for charities across Scotland. “This event is a great opportunity for CHSS to raise funds which will help us to support people living with chest, heart and stroke conditions and Long Covid. I would encourage everyone to take part and experience this truly unique fundraising challenge.” Alan Ross, Director of Engineering and Asset Management, Network Rail said: “We’re once again delighted to support the return of the Forth Bridge abseil run by Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland. “It’s always such a fun day seeing so many thrill-seekers braving the heights and facing their fears to raise a fantastic amount of money for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland and all the other charity partners which take part.” Colin Hardie, Construction Superintendent at Balfour Beatty, said: “We are delighted to have joined with Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland and Network Rail once again to open the doors to the iconic Forth Bridge. “Since it launched over 20 years ago, the Forth Bridge Abseil event has raised millions for those living with chest, heart, and stroke conditions. We look forward to making this years’ abseil the biggest and most successful to date.” Find out more and get signed up for the Forth Bridge Abseil.