Dunfermline Athletic could not escape the big drop this season. And now, it seems, neither can legend Jim Leishman.
For this Sunday, Fife’s provost is to throw himself off the Forth Bridge and abseil 165 feet to boost Rotary charities and his own charity, set up in memory of his late wife, the Mary Leishman Foundation.
However, some extra expert help will be on hand at South Queensferry Rotary Club’s Forth Bridge Abseil, which this year has attracted 160 participants and last time around raised more than £55,000.
Jim is “Bonding” with abseiling companions from the Rotary Club of Dunfermline the Magnificent 007s who will also descend from the bridge viaduct to aid Rotary causes, including the event’s core charities of Maggie’s Centres and Alzheimer Scotland.
It will be latest adrenaline rush for three of the Rotarians, who as the Geriatric Geronimos were members of the club’s Jumpnuts team in 2010 which made a tandem parachute jump from 10,000 feet to raise more than £11,000 for charity.
“This is great and I am proud to be part of it,” said Jim yesterday as he was shown the ropes by club president Bill Runciman.
“People spend a lot of their own time and raise a lot of money, so to play a wee part of it on Sunday will be great.”
In the shadow of the bridge, Jim said Mary had not used Maggie’s during her illness. But staff from Kirkcaldy came up to speak to the family and it was comforting to know that they were there.
Supporters of the Magnificent 007s can pledge their support via the team’s website www.jumpnuts.org.uk or make a donation, by cash or cheque, to Jumpnuts, c/o Thomson Cooper Accountants, Castle Court, Carnegie Campus, Dunfermline, KY11 8PB.
Jim’s foundation can be contacted at the website www.maryleishmanfoundation.com.
Photo by David Wardle