A Perthshire artist and jeweller has adapted his fundraising platform to continue raising money for charity.
For the first time in 43 years, Dr Malcolm Appleby’s annual Banchory Bangle fundraiser will be held online due to shop closures.
The artist, who designed the bangle, has raised more than £160,000 for charity Children 1st since his fundraiser began in 1977.
Members of the community donate pieces of gold and silver to Dr Appleby, who puts them together to create his finished bangle.
Raffle tickets to win the bangle have been sold in shops in previous years, but coronavirus has forced the team to reconsider their fundraising methods.
This year, tickets can be bought online and through email.
Dr Appleby said: “Coronavirus is causing great stress for families, and those who were already struggling are suffering most, so this year it is more important than ever to do all we can to support Children 1st’s essential work to keep children safe.
“I’m passionate about ensuring that children get the right support and am delighted to be designing the Banchory Bangle for the 43rd year in a row.”
He added: “Every bangle is inspired by the natural world around us.
“This year’s design is based on the antlers of the majestic red deer and the mystical rowan tree, which is associated with our homes.
“By entering the raffle you can get a chance to wrap nature around your wrist and more importantly to help children and families to cope through coronavirus.”
Children 1st is a Scottish charity that works to prevent abuse and neglect to children, and to protect them from harm.
The charity was founded in 1884 and was initially known as the Royal Scottish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (RSSPCC). The organisation changed its name to Children 1st in 1995.
Head of Public Fundraising, Susan Bradley said the move to online raffle ticket sales means the fundraiser can reach a wider audience.
She said: “We are absolutely delighted with the support Malcolm is once again showing to Children 1st.
“The decision to make the bangle tickets available online is fantastic. Not only can people purchase tickets safely during this very difficult time, but anyone, no matter where they are can purchase one.”
Entrants have the chance to win first prize of the original 2020 Banchory Bangle in silver and 18 carat gold.
Second and third prizes are copies of the bangle in silver and bronze respectively.
Tickets can be bought on the Children 1st website or by emailing mhairi@jommevents.com.
