TWO stroke survivors took on the challenge of a lifetime by abseilling 165ft off the Forth Bridge to bring back Scotland’s largest charity fundraising event.
Andy Ward (53) and Troy Johnson (55) were joined by Alan Ross, director of engineering and asset management at Network Rail, along with Carol Milligan, finance director at Balfour Beatty, and Kirsten Sadler, Balfour Beatty stakeholder engagement lead.
The pair are urging adventure-seekers to sign up to take part in the ‘ultimate abseiling experience’ from the iconic Forth Bridge whilst raising much needed funds for Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland and other partner charities.
The event will return on 8th October 2023, 20 years on from when it first launched 2003, with over 600 abseiling places available. The abseil last took place in 2019 before taking a break due to the covid pandemic.
Since the event launched in 2003, it has raised at over £3 million for charities including Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland, allowing the charity to support the 1 in 5 people across Scotland living with chest, heart and stroke conditions.
Lawrence Cowan, director of income generation at Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland, said, “We’re thrilled to bring back our iconic Forth Bridge Abseil for 2023. Our events are all about bringing out the joy in doing good.
“The Forth Bridge Abseil is a great way to get your friends together, challenge yourselves and raise money to help people live life to the full. The event has raised over £3 million for good causes since it launched in 2003 and we want to make this one the biggest and best yet.
“We look forward to welcoming more fantastic fundraisers to take part in the event this year, supporting us to ensure that there is no life half lived in Scotland.”
Alan Ross, director of engineering and asset management at Network Rail, said, “We can’t wait to welcome back Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland to the Forth Bridge. The abseil offers people the chance to experience the bridge in a unique and thrilling way, whilst raising money for charity. We’re delighted to lend our structure to such a worthwhile cause.”
Carol Milligan, finance director for Balfour Beatty’s regional business in Scotland, added, “I was delighted to join with colleagues from Chest, Heart & Stoke Scotland and Network Rail today, to mark the 20th anniversary of the iconic Forth Bridge Abseil charity event. The event has raised millions for charity since its inception and we can’t wait to unlock the doors to the Forth Bridge once more, to make this year’s abseil the biggest and most successful to date.”
Speaking at the launch event, Andy Ward commented, “Since having the stroke, I have pushed myself as hard as I can to recover as fully as possible. It’s not been an easy journey, but it’s given me a determination to continue to challenge myself, and in the last six months I’ve walked and cycled hundreds of miles to raise funds for CHSS and other charities.
“Taking part in the abseil today is just another way of living my life to the fullest extent possible! It’s been a great experience and once that I hope hundreds of others will sign up to take part in too.”
Troy Johnson added, “Taking part in the abseil today has been a fantastic experience. As a former Royal Marine, I have always worked hard to challenge myself physically and mentally and have continued to take that approach to living my life after experiencing stroke.
“Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland supported me at a very difficult time in my life. I hope the Forth Bridge Abseil helps to raise much needed funds to support others living with chest, heart and stroke conditions across the country.”
