A YOUNG girl who lost both parents within a year of each other is dancing her way to a happier future thanks to an armed forces charity.

 

Jade Scotts mum died five years ago and then her grief-stricken dad, a former soldier, took his own life at the age of 27.

 

The 13-year-old, from Drumchapel, was placed in the care of her granny, Liz Scott, 55, who struggled to cope with the loss of her son.

 

Despite her own trauma, the little girl put her own grief aside to help support her gran who then sought out grief counselling.

 

She wanted to do something to help her grandaughter and discovered there was a Scottish charity that supports children whose parents are in the armed forces.

 

The Royal Caledonian Education Trust provides vital grants to cover the cost of school clothing, after-school activities, and school trips.

 

The charity funded dance classes for Jade, which her gran says has transformed her confidence levels and she has now received grief counselling herself.

 

Jade and her dance troupe recently performed sell out shows at the Mitchell Theatre in Glasgow with the youngster in the lead role.

 

Matthew Middler, fundraising manager for RCET, said: “Having a parent in The Armed Forces can be really tough for some children.

 

“Forces kids may go to more than four or five schools due to relocation of a serving parent, sometimes to different countries.

 

“Making new friends and keeping on top of school work can be tough. For others it can be hard putting on a brave face whilst worrying about mum or dad on deployment.

 

“At RCET, we support hundreds of children each year and reach hundreds more through research, training and support materials.”

 

The Edinburgh-based charity is looking for people to take part in a fundraising event to help more people like Jade and her gran.

 

It is offering 20 free places for each of the four Kiltwalk events taking place in Glasgow, Aberdeen, Dundee and Edinburgh.

 

The Glasgow event is the biggest Kiltwalk of the year and is taking place on Sunday, April 30 with three separate walks of different lengths across the city.

 

The first Kiltwalk on the 2017 calendar is traditionally the biggest event – with thousands of walkers setting off from Glasgow Green and heading for the Kiltwalk Village on the Bonnie Banks of Loch Lomond.

 

To apply for a charity-assured place or for more info on the charity email fundraising@rcet.org.uk or phone 0131 240 2224.