RC South Queensferry Abseil

Sun, Jun 7th 2015 at 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Abseil from the Forth Bridge to raise money for Charity


Rotary Club of South Queensferry  -  Abseil 7June 2015

Look at the photos of the people who joined us for the thrill of a lifetime - and raised money for their favourite charity.  They abseiled from the Forth Bridge!  (It's only 165 ft!).  

The abseil was on Sunday 7th June 2015 but we will soon be open for 26 June 2016 registration if you missed it this year!

To date we have raised over £110,000, thank you everyone for your support.


FORTH BRIDGE ROTARY ABSEIL SET TO BREAK ALL THE RECORDS.

 Magnificent turn out boosts funds for a range of charities. 

The Forth Bridge Rotary Abseil organised by the Rotary Club of South Queensferry saw over 340 intrepid volunteers  turn out to drop 165ft from the world-famous landmark in aid of good causes. Now in its sixth year, the event has grown into one of the most significant fundraisers in the district. The principal charities to benefit this year were Macmillan Cancer Support and CHAS (Children's Hospice Association Scotland). Each main charity is adopted for two years and spaces are also made available for supporters of other local charities to abseil on their behalf.

Rotary Club President Charles Fletcher was one of the first to take the plunge on Sunday. He said: 'What an experience! It's great that the Queensferry Club can use this amazing bridge, right on our doorstep, to benefit so many good causes. We are grateful to Network Rail for allowing us access to the Forth Bridge and to all the hundreds of volunteers who signed up to abseil today.'

The event attracted a wide range of participants including local councillor Norman Work abseiling for VOCAL, a charity devoted to supporting carers across Edinburgh and Lothian. Queensferry Parish Minister David Cameron abseiled in aid of Queensferry Churches Care in the Community.

Actor Scott Fletcher, a favourite in River City, drew cheers when he dropped from the bridge in support of Scottish Adoption. Scott said, 'I didn't quite know what to expect, but the view from up top is awesome and you feel quite safe on the way down. Scottish Adoption is a charity I am keen to support, particularly when I can do it in such an exciting way.'

The day also saw the participation of the event's oldest ever abseiler. Eighty-seven -year-old Donald McKean descended on behalf of St Columba's Hospice. Mr McKean, who is partially sighted, said: 'I thoroughly enjoyed it. I know how much good work Rotary does so please congratulate the team behind the abseil. The organisation was excellent.'

Rotarian Graham Leith, head marshal, said: 'I must thank our club members who put so much effort into making the abseil a success before and during the event. Thanks also to the numerous volunteer marshals and escorts from many charities and organisations who helped the event run so smoothly. Radio Lollipop children's hospital radio provided an excellent commentary throughout the abseil and really kept the day alive with music and on-the-spot interviews.'

Graham Clarkson, chair of the organising committee, said: 'It's wonderful how popular the abseil has become. It is growing year on year and each time we try to add something a little different. This year, there was a charity village in the grounds of the Hawes Inn, where participants and spectators could find out more about the charities they were supporting.  At the end of the day, the event had raised a magnificent £110,000, which is a record, but this figure will increase as further sponsorship money comes in. Our partners, Macmillan Cancer Support and CHAS, worked hard recruiting abseilers and it is gratifying that so many other charities were able to benefit too. Next year's Rotary Forth Bridge Abseil will be Sunday 26th June 2016.