10-09-03

Barrett gears up for Forth Bridge charity abseil

John Barrett, Scottish Liberal Democrat MP for Edinburgh West, will this weekend raise money for the organisation, Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland, by taking part in a sponsored abseil off the Forth Rail Bridge in his constituency.

For the first time ever, permission has been granted by Network Rail to stage a charity abseil from the Forth Rail Bridge at South Queensferry.  Mr Barrett will be joining other daredevils to complete a freefall abseil from this famous landmark.
The event will take place on Sunday 14th September at 10.40am.

In a statement, John Barrett MP said:

"Coronary heart disease is one of the biggest killers in Scotland whilst strokes are one of the main causes of disability, with over 100,000 affected.  That is why the work of Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland is so important.

"I know the excellent work the charity does for people with chest, heart and stroke conditions. Hopefully this charity abseil will not only raise money for the organisation but also serve to highlight their work and the whole issue of the illnesses which CHSS seeks to tackle."

ENDS

Notes to Editors

• John Barrett will take part in the abseil on Sunday 14th September 2003.  More information including opportunities for digital photos of the event are available by telephoning Ewan Irvine on 0131-339-0339.

• More information on the work of the Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland is available at  www.chss.org.uk

• More information on the details of the abseil are available at www.acefundraising.org.uk/abseil/index.htm