Having plunged into a freezing River Forth as part of ‘The Loony Dook’ one New Year’s Day to fundraise for End Polio Now, Past RIBI President and RI Director Gordon McInally recently approached the river from an entirely different angle by abseiling 165 feet from the Forth Rail Bridge to the beach below.
The Forth Bridge Abseil, now in its third year, is organised by the Rotary Club of South Queensferry, the club of which Gordon is a member, and attracted over 250 entrants, all brave enough to descend from the world famous landmark in aid of good causes. The principal charities to benefit were the Teenage Cancer Trust which provides facilities for young people to enjoy a fuller life while undergoing treatment, and Maggie’s Centres, which offer free, comprehensive support for anyone affected by cancer at 14 centres across the UK.
Gordon chose to fundraise for the Beatson Cancer Centre in Glasgow where a close friend of his daughter Sarah and her boyfriend Greg Wardell, is currently receiving treatment for a particularly aggressive form of cancer. Sarah and Greg joined Gordon in his leap and between them they expect to have raised over ÂŁ5,000.
Among the many other participants, two parrots and a dinosaur took the plunge along with Miss Fife Teen, who receives sponsorship for every event she attends, and the wife of a soldier serving in Afghanistan who supported the Soldiers’ Charity.
Having regained his composure following what will forever be known as ‘The Loony’s Leap’, Gordon said: “Once again this event has had magnificent public support. Initial estimates show it has grossed over ÂŁ40,000 for all causes which is likely to increase as further sponsorship comes in. We must thank Network Rail for allowing us access to the bridge and everyone who worked so hard to make the day a success. Thanks also to all the sponsors whose generosity has been amazing.”
