The Forth Bridge Abseil, a popular fundraising event that allows participants to descend 165 feet from the iconic bridge, is back for 2024. The event, which is run by Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland in partnership with Network Rail and Balfour Beatty, will take place on Sunday, June 16. It is open to individual fundraisers and groups from organisations and businesses who want to challenge themselves and support good causes.
A unique opportunity to abseil from a UNESCO World Heritage Site
The Forth Bridge, which spans the Firth of Forth between Edinburgh and Fife, is one of Scotland’s most famous landmarks and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is also the world’s second-longest single cantilever bridge and the first major steel bridge in the UK. The Forth Bridge Abseil gives participants a rare opportunity to abseil from the south cantilever of the bridge onto the sandy beach below, while enjoying the stunning views of the surrounding scenery.
A history of raising millions for charities across Scotland
The Forth Bridge Abseil was launched in 2003 and has since raised more than £3 million for charities across Scotland, including Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland. The event made a triumphant return in October last year after a hiatus due to the pandemic, with 34 charities raising more than £305,000 as 600 people abseiled off the bridge. Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland raised over £120,000, which is equivalent to 6,170 hours of one-to-one support to help people adjust after a hospital stay following a stroke, heart attack or due to a chest condition or Long Covid.
How to register and what to expect
Individuals and organisations can register their interest by emailing FBA@chss.org.uk or visiting the event website. The registration fee is £21 and the minimum sponsorship is £185 per person. No previous experience is necessary, as a team of highly skilled instructors will ensure that participants are equipped with all they need to make their abseil as safe and enjoyable as possible. On the day of the event, participants will receive a safety briefing, a harness and a helmet, and will be guided by the instructors throughout the abseil. The event will also follow the latest Covid-19 guidelines to ensure the safety of everyone involved.
A chance to make a difference for people living with chest, heart and stroke conditions
The Forth Bridge Abseil is not only a fun and exciting challenge, but also a meaningful way to support people living with chest, heart and stroke conditions in Scotland. Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland is a charity that aims to improve the quality of life of people affected by these conditions through providing personalised support, advice, information and funding for research. The charity also campaigns for better prevention, diagnosis, treatment and care for people living with these conditions.
Jayne Forbes, assistant director of fundraising at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, said, “It is fantastic to be bringing the Forth Bridge Abseil back for 2024. We are hugely grateful to both Network Rail and Balfour Beatty for their ongoing support with the event. 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.”
Alan Ross, director of engineering and asset management at Network Rail, added, “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, commented, “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 year’s abseil the biggest and most successful to date.”
