A CLYDEBANK woman has taken part in a charity abseil in memory of her late father.

Tracy Hamilton raised money for Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland after dad John passed away last year aged 67.

He was born with Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy, which makes it harder for the heart to pump blood, and this led to him having to give up work.

He also had a pacemaker fitted and part of his bowel cut away.

And Tracy raised awareness of the charity and the condition by abseiling from the Forth Bridge.

Tracy said: "I really miss him. You think it goes away, but it does not.

"Sometimes you try to just get on with things but then something will remind you of him, you miss the small things. 

"It was fantastic to take part in the Forth Bridge Abseil in memory of my dad.

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"It was a unique experience and I'd recommend everyone to give it a go.” 

Participants took part in groups throughout the day, abseiling 165 feet from the bridge onto the sandy beach below. 

The event is run by Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, alongside event partners Balfour Beatty and Network Rail.

The event has been running since 2003, returning last year after a break due to pandemic restrictions.  

Jayne Forbes, assistant director of fundraising at Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, said: “We are so grateful to everyone who took part in this iconic fundraising event for CHSS and other charities across Scotland. 

“It is incredibly inspiring to watch people take on this challenge. You can see just how important it is for them to support charities that are close to their hearts – they are real fundraising heroes!"

So far this year, the event has raised over £115,000 for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, a number that further enables the charity to support the one in five people across Scotland living with chest, heart and stroke conditions. Donations are still coming in following the event. 

Colin Hardie, construction superintendent at Balfour Beatty, added: “This long-running, iconic event has helped raise millions for charity and those living with chest, heart, and stroke conditions since its inception over 20 years ago. 

“It was therefore a privilege to open the doors to the Forth Bridge once again, and welcome back the hundreds of people daring to take the leap for this important cause.” 

To donate to Tracy’s fundraiser please go to click here