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The voice of Scotland’s vibrant voluntary sector

Published by Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations

TFN is published by the Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations, Mansfield Traquair Centre, 15 Mansfield Place, Edinburgh, EH3 6BB. The Scottish Council for Voluntary Organisations (SCVO) is a Scottish Charitable Incorporated Organisation. Registration number SC003558.

Abseil at the home of Scottish rugby

This news post is about 4 years old
 

Daredevils are being given the chance to abseil down the country's biggest stadium to raise money for Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance

BT Murrayfield has welcomed its fair share of rugby heroes over the years. But superheroes of a very different kind will be aiming to touchdown at Edinburgh's famous international arena next month.

Dozens of fundraising daredevils are set to abseil 135 feet from the towering stands at the home of Scottish Rugby to raise funds for Scotland's Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA).

SCAA's Superheroes Abseil will take place at the stadium on 26 March. Registration costs £20 and participants are encouraged to raise a minimum of £150 in sponsorship.

This week, former international rugby players Craig Joiner and Duncan Hodge, who have 51 Scotland caps between them, voiced their support for the event and the charity that has proved a lifesaver all across Scotland.

"It's rare to get the opportunity to abseil from the stands on to the pitch at BT Murrayfield," said Duncan. "So not only are these fundraisers supporting a great cause, they're among a very select group of people to add this achievement to their life story."

Craig acknowledged the many missions SCAA has flown to assist injured sportspeople - several injured while playing rugby.

"SCAA is Scotland's only charity-funded helicopter air ambulance," he said, "and without the support of people such as these abseilers we wouldn't have this vital resource.

"None of us knows when we might need the service and everyone who joins in this fun event at BT Murrayfield should be very proud of their efforts."

SCAA regional fundraising manager Carol Anne McMahon encouraged everyone who wanted to abseil from the iconic stadium in support of the air ambulance to sign up and help save lives.

"SCAA's own heroes are on call every day of the year to fly expert paramedic care to the most sick and injured in our communities and airlift them to advanced hospital care," she said.

"Every superhero who takes on the BT Murrayfield abseil will help ensure this amazing charity stays in the air for those most in need across Scotland and our many islands."

The abseil is being set up and supervised by expert adventure company Freespirits Outdoor Company from Grandtully.

More than 60 abseilers from Phoenix Group have already signed up to tackle the touchdown, marking the latest event in the Edinburgh-based company's ongoing fundraising support of SCAA.

"This is a thrilling part of Phoenix Group's support with all funds raised being match-funded by the company," said Carol Anne.

Anyone interested in joining in this rare opportunity to abseil from the BT Murrayfield stands should sign up online.

Friends and family are also welcome to attend and cheer the superheroes on from the sidelines.