A PRESTON Lodge High School student is abseiling down the Forth Bridge in memory of her dad.

Jaime Sutherland, of Rowanhill Close, Port Seton, is taking on the abseil in June in aid of Chest, Heart and Stroke Scotland – and in tribute to her dad Dave, a civilian police worker, who suffered a fatal heart attack when he was just 56 years old.

Jaime told the Courier: “I saw an advert for abseiling down the bridge on Facebook.

“I’d already been thinking about doing something to raise money for charity and this seemed the perfect thing.

“My dad passed away in 2006 and I wanted to do something in his memory.

“I’m not usually a daredevil, but I’m not too bad with heights.”

Jaime has already raised £650 through her Everyday Hero page on Facebook.

She added: “All my mates think that I’m a bit mad and I think my mum was shocked when I told her what I wanted to do. I’m excited, though.”

As well as studying for her Highers, the 16-year-old coaches youngsters at Tranent Amateur Swimming Club, as well as working for Splash Start, and she is a lifeguard at Seton Sands Holiday Park. She was also named Junior Volunteer of the Year at the Tranent and District Community Sport Club Awards in 2017.

Mum Lynn added: “I’m extremely proud of her.

“I know that she suffered anxiety after her dad died, it was a difficult time, so to see her reach this point is amazing.

“She’s always wanted to help other people and has shown maturity beyond her years.

“She is extremely hard-working and a great example at age 16 to younger people.”

Jaime’s younger brother Andrew, 14, is also extremely supportive of his sister, making a donation to her page with his own money, writing: “So proud of you sissy, good luck.”

The family are also organising a disco on June 1 to help raise extra money for the cause.

Anyone wanting to help with raffle donations should email lynncsutherland@aol.com

To support Jaime’s abseil, which takes place on June 9, visit here