A plucky pensioner is to scale new heights when she abseils off the Forth Bridge next month.
Susette Walker plans to raise money for Alzheimer’s Scotland by making her way down the iconic structure, descending 165ft to a beach below, on May 18.
She was inspired to support the charity after her late husband developed dementia. Mrs Walker, 64, nursed him through the condition for 10 years.
She said: “I’ve been involved with the local branch of Alzheimer’s Scotland since he died. The branch has been disbanded because of lack of office bearers but there are still people who support the charity.
“I’ve worked with support groups and we have a dementia caf in Perth every month and we need funds to run these things. If I can help those caring for people with dementia then I’ll be very happy.”
Mrs Walker was prompted to take part in the daring challenge after receiving a flyer in the post.
“I get literature from Alzheimer’s Scotland and one of those was about an abseil. It spoke to me so I decided to do that.
“It’s something I’ve never done before. I’m an OAP and I wouldn’t have the strength to do a run so an abseil is a bit different.
“A lot of people do things that are more demanding but I don’t think this should be too strenuous for my age group.
“As far as I know, I am the only person from Perth and Kinross doing it. All of the money I get from sponsorship is going to go to the local area.”
Mrs Walker said she was confident about doing the abseil. “I’m not worried because I’m going to be in good hands.
“I’m not a rock climber or a mountaineer so I’ll get in my harness and do what I am told to do. It’s a challenge but people do do it, again and again young and old.”