Superheroes prepare to take daring charity plunge at Murrayfield

FUNDRAISER: Audacious abseil hopes to raise cash for air ambulance

Scores of adrenaline junkies will descend on Scotland’s biggest stadium next month in a bid to raise money for a Perthshire charity which travels in the opposite direction.

BT Murrayfield has welcomed its fair share of rugby heroes over the years, but superheroes of a 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).

The “Superheroes Abseil” will take place at the stadium on March 26.

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

More than 60 abseilers have already signed up for the big day and will be cheered on by friends and family in the stands.

Last 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.

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

“SCAA is Scotland’s only charityfunded helicopter air ambulance,” he said. “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.”

“None of us know when we might need the service and everyone who joins in this fun event should be very proud. FORMER SCOTLAND STAR CRAIG JOINER

Picture: PPA. Duncan Hodge, left, is joined by SCAA’s Carol Ann McMahon, SCAA Lead Paramedic John Pritchard, Terri Krueger from Standard Life and former Scotland star Craig Joiner.