A pair of Motherwell travel agents have raised £1,590 for a Spina Bifida charity after abseiling off the Falkirk Wheel in Scotland.

The Falkirk Wheel is a rotating boat lift in central Scotland, connecting the Forth and Clyde Canal with the Union Canal.

Nicole Carroll and Fiona Harris, from Hays Travel in Motherwell, abseiled off it on Sunday 22 March to raise money for Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland.

They were joined by Nicole’s friend, Jennifer Wilson, and Fiona’s partner, Jim Woods.

This is the second year that Hays Travel Motherwell has supported the charity, last year organising a fundraising ladies afternoon tea and raising £1,800.

Motherwell Hays Travel assistant manager, Nicole Carroll, said: “We chose this charity as it’s very close to our family. My husband has Spina Bifida, and his mum has been actively involved with the charity for over 30 years.

"It was important to us to support an organisation that does so much for families and creates a real sense of community and support.”

Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland offer information, one-to-one support and groups for children and adults with Spina Bifida.

Andrew Flynn of Spina Bifida Hydrocephalus Scotland said: “The biggest thank you to our amazing abseilers who raised vital funds for SBH Scotland – you were all brilliant!

“Together we really are unstoppable! If you want to take part in 2027, email fundraising@sbhscotland.org.uk.”

Hays Travel is the UK’s largest independent travel agent, with branches across the UK. All are committed to supporting their customers and the local communities they serve. 

Each Hays Travel branch is provided with a £500 budget to use for fundraising and charity work in their local area; £200 of this is to be used to fundraise for charities which support young people’s mental health, and the other £300 can be used for charities chosen by the branch.

In the last year, Hays Travel’s Local Community Partnership initiative across its retail network has donated almost £170,000 to local charities.