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Forth Bridge Abseil

Sunday 8th October 2023

Registration for this event is now closed for any enquiries please contact fundraising@chss.org.uk

Registration for this event is now closed for any enquiries please contact fundraising@chss.org.uk

The Ultimate Forth Bridge Abseil Experience

This exhilarating and unique challenge allows you to abseil (free-fall style, like the S.A.S.!) from the iconic Forth Bridge – Scotland’s Best Loved Landmark, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a 165ft drop with a soft landing on the golden sandy beach below, set in the picturesque village of South Queensferry – the ultimate abseil experience!

What We Ask of You

We’re asking all our fundraising heroes to promise to raise at least £185 in sponsorship, but the sky’s the limit!

We will provide all the support you need to help you meet and beat your fundraising goal. However, please do let us know as soon as possible if you are unable to participate, as this will allow us to reach out to someone on the waiting list.

Please also note we will be asking you to bring proof of reaching your pledge on the day to ensure your abseil place.

You can set up a Just Giving page to raise sponsorship, and your local fundraising advisor will be there every step of the way to help you meet and beat your fundraising target!

Brave the Bridge and sign up now!

Abseil for a Reason

Our amazing supporters have, to date, raised over £3million for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland by taking part in this truly inspiring event! Every penny you raise will go towards helping someone in Scotland do more than survive when they return home from hospital with a chest, heart or stroke condition – you’ll help them really live. Sign up now to take part in the Forth Bridge Abseil on Sunday 8th October 2023 and you’ll be helping fund our vital support services so more people across Scotland can get the support they need when they return home from hospital.

Be a Fundraising Hero and Help People Like John

“CHSS has been so vital to my recovery”

By signing up to take on the Forth Bridge Abseil, you’re doing something incredible.

Every penny you raise will go towards helping someone in Scotland do more than survive when they return home from hospital with a chest, heart or stroke condition – you’ll help them really live.

You’ll be helping people like John who suffered a heart attack in April last year while on a bike ride with a friend.

Lifesaving is not a word John bandies about easily. But when he speaks of the support he received from our Advice Line after having a heart attack, it’s the one that comes readily to mind.

“What CHSS has done for me has been absolutely massive. It’s been incredible. Lifesaving is the word coming into my head, and it sounds over-dramatic, but CHSS has been so vital to my recovery.”

“When Tracey from the charity’s Advice Line first phoned me, it was perfect timing and a trigger just to open up and share my feelings. I was so desperate for support, and some of the things she gave me – coping mechanisms and therapy guides –I still use today.”

By taking on the Forth Bridge Abseil, you’ll be helping fund our Advice Line so more people across Scotland can get the support they need right now.

More Abseil Information and FAQs

What’s Involved?

This unique challenge allows you to abseil (free-fall style, like the S.A.S.!) from the iconic Forth Bridge. It’s a 165ft drop with a soft landing on the golden sandy beach below in the picturesque village of South Queensferry.

No previous experience is needed to take part: it’s suitable for everyone 18 years old or over. Our team of highly skilled instructors will ensure you are equipped with everything you need to make your abseil safe and enjoyable. It’s a real adrenaline rush followed by a huge sense of achievement as your feet land on solid ground.

Access to the Forth Bridge is only possible due to the generosity of Network Rail and Balfour Beatty. We are delighted to work with them to offer you this incredible opportunity to abseil from the bridge.

Frequently Asked Questions

We work very hard to make the Forth Bridge Abseil as accessible as possible, however, if you are aware of any pre-existing medical conditions/history which could in any way affect your ability to take part safely in the event, including climbing up to the abseil point and abseiling itself, it is essential that you seek advice from your doctor. You then must only take part in the event if you have been advised by your doctor that it is safe for you to participate. You must also communicate any relevant medical information as soon as possible ahead of the event.

To keep everyone safe participants must meet the below equipment requirements

Harness size:

  • Minimum Height – 140cm high
  • Maximum Height – 200cm
  • Maximum Waist – 120cm
  • Maximum Thigh – 75cm

Helmet Size: Head circumference: 48-61 cm

Maximum Weight: 18 Stone / 114.3kg

Although we will try our best to accommodate those with special requirements, the health and safety of our participants is our paramount concern and sometimes it is not possible for all participants to abseil. We reserve the right to make this decision at any point on a case by case basis, even if we initially thought it possible for an individual to abseil. To get in touch and discuss any queries, please call us on 0131 297 2750 during office hours.

We work very hard to make the Forth Bridge Abseil as accessible as possible, however, if you are aware of any pre-existing medical conditions/history which could in any way affect your ability to take part safely in the event, including climbing up to the abseil point and abseiling itself, it is essential that you seek advice from your doctor. You then must only take part in the event if you have been advised by your doctor that it is safe for you to participate. You must also communicate any relevant medical information as soon as possible ahead of the event.

In order for you to access the abseil point on the day, most participants must be able to climb stairways to the bridge platform (a total of 50m ascent from the registration point).

We can make some limited arrangements for participants who might have difficulty climbing stairs, if you can foresee any issues with this or any other aspects of the abseil, it is important you contact us before you start fundraising to confirm we can make the necessary arrangements on the day.

  • Are you able to climb up 6 x flights of stairs and walk 200m unaided? Please see photo 1 and photo 2 for stair images.
  • Are you able to climb over a fence stile unaided? (this is just to gauge if people have the mobility to swing their leg over the railings)
  • Are you able to sit upright unsupported? (this is to check core strength, although we have full body harnesses its just to try and capture people that may have a disability that may result in them assuming a more unusual body position on the way down)

Once reviewing the mobility requirements above if you have any concerns, please get in touch about alternative arrangements that can be provided. Although we will try our best to accommodate those with special requirements, the health and safety of our participants is our paramount concern and sometimes it is not possible for all participants to abseil. We reserve the right to make this decision at any point on a case by case basis, even if we initially thought it possible for an individual to abseil. To get in touch and discuss any queries, please call us on 0131 297 2750 during office hours.

Get in touch

If you have a question about the event itself, please carefully read our FAQ section first.

If you still have an unanswered question:

Phone – 0131 297 2750

Email – fundraising@chss.org.uk

Or send a message directly using this form

If you have a query about raising sponsorship for the Forth Rail Bridge Abseil, get in touch with your regional fundraising advisor, who will be happy to support you with your fundraising.

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