Daredevils are preparing for a challenge of a lifetime to raise cash for charity

IT’S not a challenge for the faint-hearted.

Towering 165ft above a fast-flowing river, the iconic Forth Rail Bridge is one of Scotland’s best-loved landmarks.

And on Sunday October 9 a team of 10 brave volunteers are preparing to scale the 126-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site structure to raise cash for Canine Partners.
The funds will help the charity continue its work training special assistance dogs that can pick up dropped items, load and unload washing machines, dress and undress a person and fetch help in an emergency.

Among those taking part is Dale Gormley, Canine Partners’ Scotland community manager.

The 33-year-old from Dunfermline, Fife, said: “I can’t wait for the abseil. It will be a fantastic experience – I never thought I would see the bridge from that perspective.
“It will be a great achievement to make it back down to the ground – especially as the abseil is a 165ft freefall, SAS style.

“I’m looking forward to raising lots of cash for Canine Partners so we can train even more amazing assistance dogs.”

The abseil from the bridge, which stands over the Firth of Forth River, was organised by health charity, Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland in a bid to raise money and awareness for charity.

For more information about Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland visit chss.org.uk.

For more information about Canine Partners call Dale Gormley on 01786 447208, email daleg@caninepartners.org.uk or visit caninepartners.org.uk.