A FORMER West Fife man leapt off the edge of the Forth Bridge at the weekend – just four months after breaking his back in two places.

Brave Alastair Redpath abseiled the 158 feet from the world heritage site to raise money for Barnardo’s Scotland.

He had been due to carry out the feat earlier in the year but was foiled when he broke his back in two places while horse-riding.

Alastair was delighted to have finally succeeded.

“There was a strong breeze which knocked the participants around like conkers but we managed it in the end!” he said. “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. 

“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.”

After spending a week recovering from his horse-riding injury, Alastair had a special brace sent over from France which allowed him to regain full mobility in under two months.

“This makes completing the abseil all the sweeter,” he added. “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.”

Anyone wanting to contribute to Alastair’s fundraising efforts can do so by visiting https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/aliredpath