Daring Deesider takes on the Kelpies to support Scotland’s children

Jane Grieve from Deeside is getting set to conquer the Kelpies on 7 June to raise funds for Children First, Scotland’s national children’s charity and is inviting other adventurers to join her.

As a long term supporter of the charity, Jane is taking on the challenge of a lifetime, scaling one of the 30m high sculptures to help keep children in the North East and across Scotland safe from harm.

The exciting adventure involves climbing up inside the Kelpies through a maze of ladders, cables and suspended platforms before reaching the top and enjoying the view right from the horse’s mouth. 

After conquering the Kelpies, Jane will either abseil or simply drop right back down to the ground.

Limited spaces are still available and Jane, who chairs the Children First Deeside Action Group, is calling on other daredevils to join her.

Jane said: “The Kelpies are a terrific structure to climb. This is a unique opportunity to experience a Scottish icon, while supporting one of Scotland’s most important charities. So many children and families, particularly in the North East, are really struggling right now. Children First respond quickly to what families need and work alongside them, making a real difference to their day to day lives.

“It’s great to feel that you can contribute, while doing something fun. It would be brilliant if we could fill every place at the Kelpies and help Children First to continue to be there for children locally and right across the country.”

Jane has been supporting Children First for more than two decades, for the last five years as chair of the Deeside Action Group. The group are best known for their annual Banchory Bangle raffle.

The bangle, designed by acclaimed jeweller Dr Malcolm Appleby, has raised thousands of pounds for the charity, since it was first launched in the mid-1970s. Every year the bangle is inspired by nature and Jane promises that this year’s bangle will be as stunning as ever.

“In their own way the Banchory Bangles are as much of a Scottish treasure as the Kelpies,” said Jane.

 “Seeing the annual bangle for the first time is a very special event and we’re looking forward to sharing Malcolm’s 2025 design very soon.”

“Children First is a charity that is so close to many of our hearts in the North East and I’m so grateful to all of the Action Group members and friends who so generously lend their support,” she added.

“As well as the Kelpies and the Banchory Bangle, we’ll be opening the beautiful gardens at Norton House on 8 June to help raise even more funds for Children First. We’re hoping that the public will get behind us, however they can. Together we can give children the help they need to enjoy a safer, brighter, future.”

The mature garden at Norton House has been lovingly tended by Andrew and Nicola Bradford and the entry fee includes a delicious tea.  

Michelle Supple, Director of Fundraising, Marketing and Communications at Children First said:

“We are so enormously grateful for the passion, time and commitment Jane, Malcolm, Nicky and all the Deeside Action Group devote to Children First. Without their amazing dedication, we simply couldn’t be there when children and families turn to us desperate for help.

“Every day our teams at Children First hear from children who are distressed and at risk of serious harm. We provide practical, emotional and financial support to thousands of children and families across Scotland, every year, through our national support line and in homes, schools and communities.

“Every penny raised by Jane and the Action Group will make a difference. Please support them, in whatever way you can.”

To sign up to the Kelpies Challenge and support Children First visit http://childrenfirst.org.uk/events or call 0345 10 80 111.

To sponsor Jane click here: Children First: Kelpies Experience - Children First

For more information about the Norton House garden open day click here: Norton House