Meet the celebrant overcoming fear of heights to support Age Scotland
On May 29th Lucy Black will overcome her fear of heights to take part in Age Scotland’s exclusive Kelpie Experience, climbing almost 100ft and abseiling back down, to raise money for older people. “I am absolutely terrified of heights,” she said. “But I turned 40 last year and decided to push my abilities and try different things.”
Since her birthday, Lucy, who is a self-employed humanist celebrant, decided to opt for a better work/life balance, giving her time to train as a befriender for our sister charity, Age UK, and signed up as an Age Scotland fundraiser, choosing a challenge that will take her well out of her comfort zone.
“I am looking forward to it. It’s a great thing to fundraise for an amazing charity,” she said. “I’m very lucky. I still have my Granny who turned 100 in January and she only recently moved into a care home. My children and I spent a lot of time with my Granny when she lived alone. She is very well cared for and looked after by the care home staff but I know that many older people are not supported.
“Knowing that there are older people who do not have the resources or the support to be cared for and looked after, encouraged me to do something to help. Loneliness among our older generation is significant and can really impact and affect their lives. ”
As a befriender, Lucy has started regular phone calls with an 81-year-old man. “I was unbelievably nervous before the first call. My husband, Pete, couldn’t believe it. I talk to people all the time in my role as a celebrant, but it is such a big thing to want to make sure you are a good friend. The moment my friend and I started yapping away, I knew it would be fine as we have a lot in common and have many shared interests to talk about.”
Although Lucy, who lives in Dundee, has walked around the Kelpies, she has never climbed inside the gigantic equine sculpture. She said: “I’ve taken part in activities such Go Ape with my children, which include ropes, climbing up heights and dropping down, but I don’t really enjoy it.”
To prepare, Lucy is going to the gym and hillwalking with her two dogs to increase her fitness but admits nothing can really prepare her for emerging out of the horse’s mouth, almost 100ft in the air. Ahead of the big day, she and her four children – Lela, 16, Dubhy, 15, Peter, 12 and Moray, 11 – are visiting the site. Since the event takes place on a Friday they will be at school and can’t cheer her on.
Having signed up as a fundraiser, Lucy is keen to encourage others to support older people. “I think everybody, if they do have a bit of spare time, could do something. It’s so easy to sit and scroll on our phones nowadays but we can use that time to help others.”
“For older people, knowing there are people out there to turn to can make such a difference. My older family members are lucky to have support from friends, family and care home staff. My Granny and my wonderful mother- in-law, who is living with advanced stage dementia, are receiving the care everyone in later life deserves.”
“Companionship is crucial and I have witnessed the positive impact having someone to talk to has on our wellbeing. I want to actively raise awareness, fundraise and continue in my volunteer role as a telephone befriender so as those who don’t currently have support or companionship, know where to go, and what services are available to them.”
“Yapping with each other makes life more interesting and less lonely.”
You can support Lucy's Kelpies Experience to raise money for Age Scotland here
