ABSEIL FROM THE FORTH BRIDGE 2016

Sun, Jun 26th 2016 at 9:00 am - 4:00 pm

Our 7th annual abseil from the iconic Forth Bridge


The Forth Bridge Abseil 2016

FORTH BRIDGE ROTARY ABSEIL GOES WITH A SWING.

 

Great turn out boosts funds for a range of charities.

Sunday's Forth Bridge Rotary Abseil organised by the Rotary Club of South Queensferry saw 358 intrepid volunteers turn out to drop 165ft from the world-famous landmark in aid of good causes. Now in its seventh year, the event has grown into one of the most significant fundraisers in the district. This year, the principal charities to benefit were Age Scotland and CHAS (Children's Hospice Association Scotland). Each main charity is adopted for two years and spaces are also made available for supporters to abseil on behalf of other local and national charities.

 

Rotary Club President Kate Gibb, who presented abseilers with certificates, said: 'It has been fantastic congratulating so many people of all ages keen to take the Forth Bridge Rotary Abseil Challenge on behalf of so many charities. The rain later in the day didn't dampen anyone's spirits. 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, to the hundreds of volunteers who signed up to abseil today and all the people who sponsored them.'

The event attracted a wide range of participants, many of whom brought their own touch of colour to the proceedings. Batman and other superheroes were represented, clothing ranged from shower caps to lounge suits, two guides from the Real Mary King's Close abseiling descended in full historic costume. One lady completed the abseil with a pink inflatable flamingo.

Richard Rattray and his team from Radio Saltire provided music and commentary throughout and broadcast many p.a. interviews in which abseilers gave their often very touching reasons for supporting the charities of their choice.

Rotarian Graham Leith, event organiser, 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 who helped the event run so smoothly. Radio Saltire really kept the day alive with music and commentary.'

Graham Clarkson, chair of the organising committee, said: 'It's wonderful how popular the abseil has become. We are immensely grateful to Network Rail for making it possible to use the bridge. The event is growing year on year and each time we try to add something a little different. For the second 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 £103,500 and this figure will increase as further sponsorship money comes in. Our partners, CHAS and Age Scotland, worked hard recruiting abseilers and it is gratifying that so many other charities were able to benefit too, for example 1st Kirkliston Scouts raised £5,000 towards their new hall. The date of next year's  Rotary Forth Bridge Abseil will be confirmed as soon as possible.'


FORTH BRIDGE ROTARY ABSEIL PASSES £1/2 MILLION WITH LATEST MAGNIFICENT EFFORT

Great turn out boosts funds for a range of charities.

 


Rotarian Graham Clarkson, organiser of the  Forth Bridge Rotary Abseil, announced that the total raised since the inception of the annual event in 2010 had now topped half-a-million pounds. From a hurriedly-organised alternative when the long-running raft race was cancelled owing to construction work on the Hawes Pier, the event has blossomed into one of the most successful fund-raisers in District 1020. Every year two principal charities are 'adopted' and places are also made available for abseilers to participate on  behalf of many other local and national charities.

Laura Campbell, representing CHAS (Children's Hospice Association Scotland) one of this year's adopted charities, said her charity was delighted to be involved in such a professionally organised event. She had received nothing but positive feedback from supporters and participants. Rebecca Dickson from Age Scotland, the other adopted charity, echoed Laura's praise for the event. She said that some of Age Scotland's proceeds from the Abseil would go to supporting Silverline Scotland, a free phone service for older people offering advice, counselling and quite simply friendship in times of need and isolation.