A BARRMILL dad completed a daring charity abseil earlier this month – after his initial attempt was postponed after he broke his back.

Alastair Redpath made the journey to the Forth Bridge and was approximately 158ft off the ground before abseiling down, despite winds which knocked the participants about.

The challenge was in aid of Barnardo’s Scotland.

Alastair told the Herald: “Barnardo’s means a lot to me and my family.

“I was fostered through the charity’s Family Placement Services from the ages of nine to 20, and currently sit on two of their Scottish panels as a care-experienced member.

“They also nominated me to work with the Scottish Care Review, for which I am now co-chair of the national Stigma Workgroup.

“In the UK today, Barnardo’s helps transform the lives of around 200,000 children and young people each year, through 900+ expert services.

“For many of these children and young people, every day is a challenge as they face a range of difficulties to overcome like caring for an ill or disabled loved one; being stuck in the cycle of poverty; or being the victim of abuse – for some of these children they cannot see the finishing line.

“Barnardo’s believes in children regardless of their circumstances, gender, race, disability or behaviour.

“They believe in the abused, the vulnerable, the forgotten and the neglected, and continue to support them, stand up for them and bring out the best in each and every child. In turn, I believe in Barnardo’s.

“The original date was postponed, as I broke my back in two places after falling off a horse at Hawick Common-Riding in May.

“I spent a week recovering in hospital, and was fitted with a brace sent over from France that allowed me to regain full mobility in under two months

“This makes completing the abseil all the more sweeter.

“In the end I raised £505.61 plus £91.25 in gift aid, and would like to thank everyone who donated and supported me through a tough few months.”

If anyone would like to chip in, they can do so by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/aliredpath