Forth Road Bridge Abseil for ACCT UK
Former Cadet Company Sergeant Major to Abseil the Forth Road Bridge for ACCT UK
This October, former Cadet Company Sergeant Major Rubyann Held will take on an incredible challenge as she abseils from the iconic Forth Road Bridge to raise money for ACCT UK.
The fundraising event aims to support the charity’s mission of ensuring that every cadet has access to opportunities that help them develop confidence, resilience, and valuable life skills. By removing financial and social barriers, ACCT UK helps young people participate in experiences that can positively shape their futures.
For Rubyann, however, this challenge is about much more than fundraising. It is a personal mission inspired by her own journey and the opportunities that have helped her grow.
Supporting Opportunities for Every Cadet
ACCT UK works closely with the Army Cadet Force and other cadet organisations to provide grants and support for young people who may otherwise miss out on activities, training, and development opportunities.
Through its work, the charity helps ensure that cadets can access experiences that build leadership, teamwork, confidence, and self-belief.
As a former senior cadet, Rubyann understands first-hand the impact these opportunities can have on a young person’s life. Consequently, she is determined to help others benefit from the same experiences that shaped her own cadet journey.
Taking on the Forth Road Bridge Abseil
The Forth Road Bridge provides a dramatic backdrop for one of Scotland’s most exciting fundraising challenges. Participants descend from the bridge while enjoying spectacular views across the Firth of Forth.
Although the abseil presents a significant physical and mental challenge, Rubyann is embracing the opportunity to step outside her comfort zone once again.
Her willingness to take on the challenge reflects the mindset she developed during her time as a cadet—one of determination, perseverance, and a willingness to say “yes” to new experiences.
Rubyann’s Story: Finding Strength Through Opportunity
Speaking about her motivation, Rubyann explained:
“I strongly believe in saying yes to every opportunity, and I want others to experience that same sense of possibility.
Taking on opportunities and completing them has shown me that despite living with mental health difficulties, Type 1 diabetes, and other chronic conditions, I am capable of far more than I ever thought.
I want other young people to discover that feeling too. That is my reason why.”
Her words highlight the transformative power of opportunity and the importance of encouraging young people to challenge themselves, regardless of the obstacles they may face.
Moreover, Rubyann’s story serves as a powerful reminder that resilience is often built through experience. By stepping forward and embracing new challenges, young people can discover strengths they never knew they possessed.
Inspirer la prochaine génération
The cadet experience offers young people countless opportunities to develop skills, build friendships, and gain confidence. For many, these experiences become defining moments that influence their future education, careers, and personal development.
Through her fundraising efforts, Rubyann hopes to help ensure that more cadets can access these opportunities and experience the same sense of achievement and personal growth that she has enjoyed.
Her challenge demonstrates that success is not defined by the absence of difficulties, but by the courage to keep moving forward despite them.
How You Can Support Rubyann
Link to Ruby’s ACCT UK Donation page https://givestar.io/donate/forth-road-bridge-abseil-2026
Every donation made through Rubyann’s fundraising campaign will help ACCT UK continue its vital work supporting cadets across the country.
Whether large or small, each contribution helps create opportunities for young people to participate in activities that develop confidence, leadership, and resilience.
By supporting Rubyann’s Forth Road Bridge abseil for ACCT UK, you are helping to invest in the future of young people and ensuring that more cadets can benefit from life-changing experiences.
As she prepares to descend from one of Scotland’s most iconic landmarks this October, she is doing so with a clear purpose: to help others access the same opportunities that inspired her to grow, succeed, and realise her potential.
We wish Rubyann every success with her challenge and thank her for supporting ACCT UK and the next generation of cadets.