Forth Bridge Abseil in father-in-law’s honour

Woman will face her greatest fear in a 165ft descent to help Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland

If there’s anything I’ve learned from my dad it’s that you have one life – so live it.

JEANIE NOWLAND

A woman will face her greatest fear when she freefalls 165 feet off the Forth Bridge to raise money for Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland.

Jeanie Nowland, from Thornton, will take on the Forth Bridge Abseil on October 6, two years after Stewart McDonald, her beloved father-in-law who she viewed as a father-figure, passed away.

Stewart, who was an engineer and operated heavy cranes before he retired, had a stroke in 2014, just before Christmas.

He needed constant care for two years before he died.

Determined Jeanie is on a mission to raise awareness of the devastating effects of stroke to help other survivors and their families.

The 45-year-old said: “I am absolutely petrified of heights so I hope everyone will really dig deep and donate as much as they possibly can for a cause that is very close to my heart.

“Our lives changed forever when our precious dad had a massive stroke out of the blue.

“In the blink of an eye, we saw our dad – a big burly man with hands like shovels, who drove cranes all over the world for his job – turn into someone who couldn’t speak, walk or even dress himself.

“Dad still had his intelligence and was mentally aware but the physical effects of the stroke were so cruel.

“He struggled on for two years after his stroke before passing away at home.

“Towards the end, his life revolved around sleeping in his living room and using a wheelchair to get to the kitchen if he found the strength. It hurts so much to see someone you love go through that but dad was a fighter until the end and an inspiration to us all.

“That’s why I am determined to do something positive in memory of our brilliant dad and help other stroke survivors.

“I have never done anything like this before but if there’s anything I’ve learned from my dad it’s that you have one life – so live it.”

Lawrence Cowan, director of communications at Chest Heart and Stroke Scotland, said: “Jeanie is an absolute inspiration and we will all be there to cheer her on.

“By facing her fears and raising vital funds, Jeanie is remembering her beloved dad in such an amazing way and I’m sure it’ll be a day the family will all treasure forever.

“We want everyone to brave the bridge like Jeanie, sign up to the abseil challenge and do something incredible for stroke survivors across Scotland.

“Every penny raised will help people do more than survive – it’ll help them really live.”

Above: Stewart and his grandson James a few years ago. Below: Jeanie Nowland.