Balfour+Manson raise over £5,200 for MS Society Scotland from April to June

Partner Ann Logan, finance director Ronan Hennessy and paralegal Susan Rae successfully walked or ran 5kms a day for 50 days as part of the 5x50 Challenge starting on 27th March.

Solicitor Iain Thomson, trainee solicitor James Hyams and HR administrator Anne Downie braved the dizzy heights of the Forth Rail Bridge to abseil for MS Society Scotland on Sunday 12th June. Despite the nerves they successfully ascended (SAS style) the 165 foot drop.

Ms Downie said: “It was nerve wracking and exhilarating at the same time. The worst part was getting yourself over the edge of the bridge and then plucking up the courage to let go and put all your faith in the harness and two ropes that were between you and the beach below! It was a huge relief to have my feet back on terra firma.”

On Sunday 19th June a team of hardy ladies from our Aberdeen office including, partner Julie Clark-Spence, solicitor Jenna Dicken and legal secretaries Debbie Beattie and Shona Sibbald took part in the Ythan Challenge - a multi-terrain adventure race in Ellon, north of Aberdeen. The course is around 11kms long and includes a number of obstacles including straw bales, killer hills, a river crossing and lots of mud.

Once back in more comfortable surroundings they also hosted a ladies fundraising evening at the Society of Advocates Library in Aberdeen raising over £1,000 on that night alone.

Ms Clark-Spence said: “We have all really enjoyed the challenge of our fundraising activities over the last month and it has created a great buzz around the office. While the Ythan Challenge was difficult at points there were a lot of laughs along the way! We are currently debating what to tackle next!”

Finally on 6th August, solicitors Stephanie McLaren and Jenna Dicken will take on the challenge of a lifetime, attempting to conquer a 10,000ft tandem skydive. They have already surpassed their fundraising target of £900 with a month to go.

Ms McLaren said: “We are both very excited and terrified at the same time and can’t believe the support we have had from family, friends and colleagues so far. It will definitely give us the motivation we will need to take that leap!”

Elaine Motion, chairman of Balfour+Manson added: “I feel proud to have so many staff eager to take on challenges like these to fundraise and raise awareness of MS Society Scotland. A number of our colleagues’ close family and friends, as well as one of our own colleagues, is affected by MS so it is truly a charity close to many people’s hearts.”