Real Radio Scotland's drivetime presenter Steve McKenna has risen to the challenge set by listeners to face his worst fear – riding across Scotland in a hot air balloon.
The money raised goes towards the stations Bring A Pound to Work Day charity partner the Children’s Hospice Association Scotland (CHAS)
Mary Percy, President of RE/MAX Scotland, Scotland’s leading estate agents came to the rescue and offered Real Radio the use of their hot air balloon – the same balloon that Lorraine Kelly previously cured her fear of heights in.
The balloon departed early this morning, 7th May from the stunning Shieldhill Castle in the borders town of Biggar for the 60 minute flight taking in the breathtaking scenes of the central lowlands, whilst at the same time aiming to cure Steve’s fear.
A rather nervous Steve McKenna said: “It's not so much that I have a fear of heights as a fear of drops. In a plane you’re enclosed in a protective metal casing so you feel safe but I'm sure most people imagining standing looking over the edge of a skyscraper would be terrified. I certainly would and yet I've agreed to go into a skyscraper that moves. I am honestly and genuinely scared stiff and can’t believe the listeners challenged me to the most terrifying experience of my life”.
Mary Percy, President for RE/MAX Scotland said, “We are delighted to be working with Real Radio to help raise as much money as possible for such a worthwhile cause.’
So far Real Radio’s annual charity event, Bring a Pound To Work Day has raised in excess of £120,000 for CHAS helping children in Scotland with life-limiting conditions and more money is still coming in.
Jay Crawford, programming director for Real Radio Scotland said, “This years charity partner CHAS has really touched the hearts of our thousands of listeners and we are delighted that so many listeners and clients have backed our Bring a £ To Work Day appeal, in particular a big thanks to RE/MAX Scotland, Scotair and Universal News and Sport for being part of this particular event in making a difference to children in Scotland”.
