Daredevil duo raise cash for MS Society

Sep 15 2009 by Andrew Welsh, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

A PAIR of Perth bravehearts have raised over £2100 for the MS Society by completing a hat-trick of daredevil challenges.

With the backing of Fair City residents, thrill seekers Brian Brown and Stewart Keir made sure the good cause was quids in by tackling a freefall sky dive from 10,000 feet.

The bold leap from a plane high above Errol followed an earlier abseil down the Forth Rail Bridge and a hair-raising zipslide across the River Clyde in Glasgow – all completed within a matter of weeks.

Brian, who is a leading light in the MS Society’s Perth group, said the dynamic duo were sponsored by locals in Perth’s Burghmuir district, online backers, workmates and Stewart’s employer, the insurance giant Aviva.

“It was a lot of hard work,” Brian, who has multiple sclerosis, told the PA yesterday.

“Most folk only do one such challenge in a year and I don’t think I’ll ever do three at one time again.

“For the abseil they just tell you to hold onto a rope and drop yourself down. At least it was on a Sunday, so there weren’t too many trains crossing!”

After being given detailed instructions on how to exit an aeroplane, the neighbours’ original planned sky dive was cancelled in June due to poor weather.

But Brian said they were determined to complete the stunt and made sure it was rearranged for August.

“It was an amazing experience, we got a great view of the top of the clouds and the Errol car boot sale,” he enthused.

“We could also see right up the Tay going towards Dundee. Now I want to jump from 20,000 feet and do a wing walk.

“The staff were fantastic and Stewart did brilliantly, but I’m not sure if he’s got the same head for heights.

“He usually agrees with my suggestions but don’t think he’ll open the door to me next year!”

The skydive cost the duo £500 but such was the generosity of sponsors that the MS Society’s Perth branch still stands to collect over £1000.

Around £600 will go to the national charity.