revealed 22 August 2024
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A trainee minister has succeeded in making his lengthy overdue leap of religion within the technique of elevating tons of of kilos for a charity expensive to his coronary heart.
Tommy McGregor, from Dingwall, confronted his greatest worry – heights – by plunging 131ft from the highest of the Northern Lights Tower at King’s Church in Aberdeen.
His adrenaline-charged journey was initially deliberate for Could, however was known as off at brief discover attributable to inclement climate.
“It was an enormous aid to lastly get it performed,” Mr McGregor mentioned.
Nevertheless, as somebody who admits to being afraid of heights, his descent from the Northern Lights Tower is extra satisfying to look again on than his expertise.
“I used to be completely terrified, however glad to do it,” she mentioned.
“The worst half was climbing over the facet. I am a bit weak on my left facet and that is the facet we went off on. They mentioned I may attempt to go on my proper facet, however that did not work. So I simply pushed and my left I went to the facet.”
Due to the overhang, Mr. McGregor didn’t make contact with the tower as he was lowered to the bottom, however didn’t pause to soak up this distinctive view of the Granite Metropolis.
“I did not get hung up. I needed to get down as quick as I may,” he mentioned.
Round 20 beginner climbers took half within the problem with Aberdeen Abseil on the day, elevating cash for plenty of good causes.
Returning assist
Mr McGregor, who’s at the moment within the last weeks of his probationary placement at Kinmillis Parish Church in Inverness, has pushed himself exterior his consolation zone to assist Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland, a charity he feels a really private reference to.
“I used to be born with spina bifida and developed hydrocephalus in consequence,” she defined.
“Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus (SBH) Scotland is all the time there to assist me. Fortuitously, I’ve by no means actually wanted them, however it’s reassuring to know they’re there if I do.
“I noticed it and thought it could be a very good problem for me and provides me an opportunity to assist them.”
Cash remains to be coming in by way of Mr McGregor’s JustGiving net web page, which is open to new donations.
Her house congregation at Ferintosh Church has additionally been very supportive, elevating a group to assist her efforts and he or she is now aiming to surpass £1,500 – seven instances her preliminary JustGiving goal of £200.
Mixed with donations from different abseilers, SBH Scotland hopes to boost between £20,000 and £22,000 which might be used to assist individuals with spina bifida and/or hydrocephalus and allow them to dwell the best doable high quality of life.
“After doing it, individuals are asking if I will do it once more,” Mr McGregor revealed.
“I’ve thought of it and the reply is that I most likely will, however not for some time. I need to give myself a while to get better from this.”
In the meantime, Mr McGregor might be trying ahead to a different problem as he seeks his first obligations as a professional minister.
A educated dental nurse and NHS dental tutor, Mr McGregor first thought-about coming into the ministry 20 years in the past.
“However I am fairly a shy particular person and on the time I assumed I could not do it so I reluctantly withdrew from the method,” he mentioned.
Nevertheless, with the encouragement of his minister at Ferintos, the Rev Stephen Macdonald, he reapplied and is now at a degree the place he can begin on the lookout for a church of his personal.
“It is thrilling instances and I am actually trying ahead to it,” he mentioned.
“I feel it will likely be parish ministry the place I am known as. I work as a volunteer chaplain at Highland Hospice at some point per week. That pursuits me too, however I am unsure I need to do it full time.”
To assist Mr Macgregor in fundraising for SBH Scotland, you’ll be able to donate at https://www.justgiving.com/web page/thomas-macgregor-1709398467500
