Daredevil Fundraisers Raise Thousands for Scottish Charities at Forth Bridge Abseil 16 October 2024 Over 300 fundraisers took part in one of Scotland’s most iconic fundraising events to raise funds for 18 charities this weekend (Sunday 13 October) including Dunfermline woman Kayleigh Cousins. 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 £54,000 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. Kayleigh Cousins, from Dunfermline, took part in the abseil in memory of her dad Harry who died three years ago in his 60’s. The 20-year-old accounts assistant said: “My dad passed away from a heart attack three years ago unexpectedly. He went out in the morning to the shops with my mum and then we got the phone call. It was a really tough time. “I was thinking of him as I was doing the abseil. My mum, Jackie, had a stroke in the summer in the same year as my dad passed away. She recovered almost instantly but we didn’t have the best of luck that year. “We’d just been on holiday over September 18th, which is the date my dad passed away, and it the abseil popped up on Facebook. “I wanted to do something and I’m glad I did because I had a great time and it’s for a great cause.” 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 find out more about fundraising for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, visit www.chss.org.uk/supportus/fundraise-for-us