WHEN it comes to fundraising for charity, most people organise a coffee morning or do a fun run, writes Neil Hobson.

But, in one Peeblesshire man’s case, he’s planning to abseil down the Forth Rail Bridge - despite being terrified of heights.

Lloyd Inglis-Ballantyne of Stobo admits that the thought of traversing down the bridge is a terrifying prospect, but has expressed his delight at doing it for a charity he loves - Cat Protection UK.

The 52-year-old is the co-ordinator of the Peebles and Biggar branch, and revealed the background of how he got involved in the daring fundraiser. Speaking to the Peeblesshire News, he said: “Cat Protection in Peebles and Biggar has been around for 20 years now, we do a lot of stuff for the charity like coffee mornings and so on, but we’re always looking to do something a bit different.

“There’s an event through an organisation named Everyday Hero where charities can bid to do events that are a wee bit zany.

"So when the rail bridge opportunity came up, I thought that would be quite interesting and so we got it.

“Only recently I started to think that maybe I could do it. Jumping off the rail bridge with nothing but a wire is totally crazy, even more so given my fear of heights.

"I’m so scared, but I’m doing it for a charity that I really believe in, and any funds we can raise to help more cats find new homes is what’s most important.

“At the end of the day, I’m doing it for the community. I’m a Borderer and I can’t even begin to describe how scared I am!”

The event, which will take place on Sunday, October 9, is edging closer and closer and Mr Inglis-Ballantyne needs more help to raise funds, with over £300 left to raise out of a target of £500.

He continued: “I would love to raise as much as I can, and I know that times are hard at the moment but this is local. Cat Protection does an amazing amount of good work in the community.

“Even if it’s just a pound, everything helps. The money raised will help us feed vulnerable cats, microchip them and help them find a home where they can enjoy a new life. Whether it’s knitting blankets, helping out on coffee mornings or doing something totally crazy like me! We’ll never put a healthy cat down.

“Cats are just fantastic, we’re so lucky to have these little balls of fluff in our life. It’s an honour and a privilege to be a part of this, and hopefully I can conquer my fears and raise a lot of money for charity as well.”

If you would like to sponsor Lloyd in his brave endeavour, go to https://www.everydayhero.com/uk and search for CP Lloyd.