Forth Bridge Abseil Heroes Raise More Than £100,000 for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland with the Event Returning in 2026 

More than 400 daredevils descended from the famous landmark for a variety of good causes in September.

One of Scotland’s largest fundraising events has generated more than £200,000 for good causes this year.

The Forth Bridge Abseil, run by Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) in partnership with Network Rail and Balfour Beatty, raised more than £202,000 for 28 charities across the country this year, including £107,000 for CHSS. In 20 years the event has raised more than £2 million.

Today, entries opened for next year’s event which takes place on Sunday October 4th.

Stephanie Wilks, Community, Events and Corporate Fundraiser for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland said: “We just want to say a huge thank you to everyone who went above and beyond to help raise such an enormous amount for CHSS and 27 other causes.

“It’s incredible to see so many people come together to support such a great event and we thank Network Rail and Balfour Beatty for their support once again.

“The £107,000 raised by our fantastic fundraisers is enough to provide 5,396 hours of vital one to one support at home to help somebody adjust after a hospital stay.

“We’re already looking ahead to 2026 and would encourage anyone who wants to take part in a truly thrilling fundraiser to sign up now.”

448 brave souls descended from the UNESCO World Heritage site in September with 131 raising money for CHSS on the day.

The abseil, which first took place in 2003, has raised more than £3 million for charities across Scotland.

Alan Ross, Director of Engineering and Asset Management at Network Rail Scotland, said: “Seeing people take on the challenge of abseiling from the Forth Bridge, especially those who’ve overcome serious health setbacks, is genuinely inspiring. There’s no better place to showcase that kind of resilience.

“The bridge itself is a symbol of strength and we’re proud to support an event that brings people together in such a powerful way. It’s always a brilliant day, and we’re delighted to be part of it again next year.”

Colin Hardie, Works Manager 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 next year’s abseil the biggest and most successful to date.”

Entries for the Forth Bridge Abseil in 2026 are now open. The event will take place on Sunday October 4th. For more information or to sign up, visit abseil.scot. There is also an early bird offer until January 31st here Supporter, Early Bird Offer – Save £10! 

If you’re living with the effects of heart disease and stroke and looking for advice and information, please contact Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s Advice Line on 0808 801 0899. You can also text NURSE to 66777 or email [email protected].

Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS) is Scotland’s leading 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, organises peer support groups, offers health checks in local communities, and campaigns to improve policies and services.

CHSS is Scotland’s largest volunteering organisation with over 3,700 volunteers who help to deliver services, run 43 charity shops across Scotland, and raise vital funds to ensure people with our conditions can live life to the full.