Brave youngster conquers fear of heights for Children First

A brave youngster has raised more than £700 in vital funds for Scotland’s national children’s charity by taking on her biggest charity challenge yet – abseiling more than 100ft down the Port of Leith Distillery.

Fourteen-year-old Jessica Wallace from Livingston recently faced her fear of heights to fundraise for Children First after they supported her family through a difficult time.

Children First worked alongside Jessica’s family when her nephew, Lucas, now nine, was placed into the care of Jessica’s mum Alexandra at 18 months old because his mum could no longer look after him.

 When Lucas was born, he faced serious health challenges and needed a lot of care and support. As he’s grown, his learning disabilities have continued to shape his journey and the kind of support he needs to help him thrive.

Alexandra described the challenging time the family faced when she became Lucas’s guardian as the most difficult time of their lives until they were introduced to Children First.

Kinship carer Alexandra said: “We were faced with everything we could possibly be faced with. It was just so difficult for the family.

“Someone gave me the information for Children First, and I thought: ‘What are they going to do?’

“The West Lothian team visited us, and they were just brilliant. They just came in, non-judgmental and asked ‘What can I do to help you? What have you got, what do you need?

“Our worker helped us get a little cot bed for him which, still to this day he still talks about so fondly.

“She was there as emotional support for me because I was absolutely traumatised.”

Lucas has been in the care of his grandparents since then and grandmother Alexandra says they are now “ticking along.”

Over the years, Jessica has done lots of fundraising challenges for charities.

Alexandra said, Jessica and I feel that “it’s our turn to pay back and add to the funds needed daily by the charity to help other children and families.

Alexandra added: “Twice, Jessica has cut off over eight inches of hair for charity.

“When I saw the abseil challenge I thought: ‘That’s something she could do.’”

At first, Jessica was apprehensive, but when she heard more about it, she was determined to raise money and started asking for sponsorship.

Alexandra added: “At first she said ‘No! I’m not doing that!’ as she’s scared of heights and everything.

“But within a couple of days she asked what it entailed, and she’s been really pushing, asking people to sponsor her.

“I am so proud of Jessica for overcoming her fears and completing the abseil, the weather was a bit windy, so it added to the tension. Jessica did so well and is a true star in my eyes.”

Jessica joined around 20 others to take on the Port of Leith abseil for Children First on Sunday 11 May, despite the windy weather.

Jessica said: “I am so grateful that I did it for an amazing charity, but I might wait a while before I do it again!”

Michelle Supple, director of fundraising, marketing and communications at Children First said: “Wow what a superstar Jessica is! We are in awe of her bravery and can’t thank her enough for her fundraising efforts.  

“Children in Scotland are facing a childhood emergency and all the money raised by Jessica and other fundraisers who took on this challenge will help us protect children and keep them safe.”

You can donate to Jessica’s fundraising challenge by clicking here: Alexandra Wallace is fundraising for Children First 

We are still looking for participants for our Kelpies Challenge event on 7 June. If you’ve got what it takes, please sign up here: The Kelpies Challenge 2025 | Children First