Local survivor turns fundraising focus to major Forth Bridge abseil
A Barrhead man who suffered a life-changing stroke in 2022 is preparing to tackle the Forth Bridge abseil on Sunday 4 October to raise money for Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland (CHSS). The challenge will be undertaken alongside family members and marks a personal milestone in his recovery and community involvement.
Martin McKelvie, a 60-year-old grandfather and former Glasgow City Council area manager, experienced a stroke as he pulled into his driveway. The event left him unable to move or speak and resulted in aphasia, a language disorder that affects around one in three stroke survivors.
Since then, Martin has engaged with CHSS services in Paisley, joining a stroke communication group and later volunteering for the charity. He now helps lead the Paisley Walking Group that meets in Barshaw Park, an activity he and his family say has been important to his rehabilitation and to others affected by stroke.
“My sister has ran a half marathon for CHSS and last year my wife and family did the Kiltwalk so I felt I should do something too,” Martin said, explaining why he wanted to take on the abseil. “My son-in-law and myself were looking at events that we could do. We picked the abseil and the four of us signed up.”
Joining Martin on the descent will be his son-in-law William, and family members Joanne and Kerris. The group said they were motivated to raise funds after witnessing the difference CHSS made to Martin’s recovery, moving from service user to volunteer. They emphasised the value of every donation to maintain services for other stroke survivors.
- Event: Forth Bridge Abseil
- Date: Sunday 4 October
- Charity: Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland
- Participants from Barrhead: Martin McKelvie, William (son-in-law), Joanne and Kerris
Organised by CHSS in partnership with Network Rail and Balfour Beatty, the Forth Bridge abseil has a history of fundraising for charities across Scotland. According to the charity, the event has raised more than £3 million for Scottish causes since it began in 2003.
Stephanie Wilks, CHSS community, events and corporate fundraiser, said: “There’s still time for people to join forces for an unforgettable experience…”
The abseil offers a high-profile opportunity to boost awareness of stroke recovery services and to attract new supporters to local CHSS programmes. For Barrhead — a community which, like much of Renfrewshire, relies on local volunteer networks and community groups — the participation of a local volunteer and survivor highlights the role small civic acts play in sustaining health services.
CHSS runs a range of local support services, including communication groups for people with aphasia and community walking groups designed to aid recovery and reduce isolation. Martin’s move into volunteering and group leadership is an example of how local services can both support rehabilitation and create routes for survivors to give back to their communities.
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Participant from Barrhead | Martin McKelvie (stroke survivor and CHSS volunteer) |
| Supporting participants | William (son-in-law), Joanne, Kerris |
| Event organiser partners | Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland, Network Rail, Balfour Beatty |
| Funds raised historically by the event | More than £3 million since 2003 |
Members of the public are encouraged to sign up for the event or support fundraisers taking part. For those in Barrhead and the surrounding area, the abseil is both a fundraising occasion and a reminder of the local services available to people affected by stroke. Martin and his family said their motivation stems from direct experience of the charity’s impact and a wish to ensure it continues to help others.
Further details about participating in or supporting the Forth Bridge abseil can be obtained from Chest Heart & Stroke Scotland’s events information.
