Media centre

Monday 10 Apr 2006

RAIL BOSS IN FORTH BRIDGE LEAP OF FAITH

Region & Route:

Scotland’s Railway: Scotland

A daring director from Network Rail abseiled 165ft from Scotland’s most iconic bridge to raise cash for children from across the world who live in or around railway stations. Territory Maintenance Director, Richard Lungmuss, made the giant leap on Sunday (9 April) to raise cash for The Railway Children charity. The day was organised by Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland, which has helped raise more than £325,000 for charity since its first Forth Bridge abseiling event in 2003. Richard said: “Free-falling from the bridge was incredibly exhilarating. There’s a wonderful view from the top, but I didn’t have much time to see it on this occasion! “Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland have helped to raise a tremendous amount of money for their own and other charities by organising Forth Bridge abseils, and we’re delighted to lend our structure to such a worthwhile cause. “The bridge is now 115-years-old and Network Rail is continually investing to ensure it has a long future ahead of it. Abseiling down it allowed me to see it from a new perspective – indeed, it gave me the same view our abseiling painters get.” Richard was one of 351 people who made the leap on Sunday’s event. Chest, Heart & Stroke Scotland hope to break the £375,000 mark with the money raised for charity. Richard added: “I’d like to thank everyone who sponsored me to make the leap. The cash I’ve raised will go to The Railway Children, helping runaway and abandoned kids who live on or near the railways across the world.”