Scottish businesses are being urged to take part in one of the country’s biggest fundraising events this summer.

The Forth Bridge Abseil, which is run by Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland in partnership with Network Rail and Balfour Beatty, takes place on Sunday, 16th June.

Adventure-seekers will abseil 165 feet from the iconic UNESCO World Heritage Site for good causes including Scotland’s largest health charity. The day also offers an ideal opportunity for team-building for businesses and a chance to raise vital funds for CHSS to help support the 1 in 5 people in Scotland living with a chest, heart or stroke condition and Long Covid.

Companies have the chance to follow in the footsteps of East Kilbride-based construction business akp.

A team of five took part in the abseil last year in memory of their colleague Neil Donnan who died in January 2023 after a heart attack and brain aneurysm. Together John Black, Phil Mycek, Colin McCready, Connor McBride and Roz Malcolm abseiled the Forth Bridge raised more than £4,300.

Moira Murdoch, Commercial Director at akp Scotland, said: “Neil was such a happy and positive person to have around.

“We were all so shocked when we heard that he had died and so we were pleased to be able to raise some funds in his memory and for all those others in Scotland that have been affected by these illnesses.”

Assistant Director of Fundraising at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, Jayne Forbes said: “It is fantastic to be bringing the Forth Bridge Abseil back for 2024.

“We had an amazing response to last year’s event with hundreds of people from across the country challenging themselves to raise vital funds for charities across Scotland.

“This event is a great opportunity for CHSS to raise funds which will help us to support people living with chest, heart and stroke conditions and Long Covid. I would encourage businesses across the country to consider taking part. It’s an ideal team building challenge and a fantastic way to give something back whilst experiencing a truly unique fundraising event.”

Alan Ross, Director of Engineering and Asset Management, Network Rail said: “We’re once again delighted to support the return of the Forth Bridge Abseil run by CHSS.

“It’s always such a fun day seeing so many thrill-seekers braving the heights and facing their fears to raise a fantastic amount of money for CHSS and all the other charity partners which take part.”

Colin Hardie, Construction Superintendent at Balfour Beatty, said: “We are delighted to have joined with Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland and Network Rail once again to open the doors to the iconic Forth Bridge.

“Since it launched over 20 years ago, the Forth Bridge Abseil event has raised millions for those living with chest, heart, and stroke conditions. We look forward to making this year’s abseil the biggest and most successful to date.”

Individuals and organisations can register their interest in taking part in June’s fundraiser by emailing FBA@chss.org.uk or at https://www.chss.org.uk/supportus/fundraise-for-us/events/forth-bridge-abseil/

Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland is Scotland’s largest health charity supporting people with chest, heart, and stroke conditions, including Long Covid, to live their lives to the full.

Its Community Healthcare Support Services are there for people at every stage of their condition.

CHSS provides a free advice line, organise peer support groups, offer health checks in local communities, and campaign to improve policies and services.

CHSS is Scotland’s largest volunteering organisation with over 4000 volunteers who help to deliver services, run 39 charity shops across Scotland, and raise vital funds to ensure people with our conditions can live life to the full.