Dan Barton is the man behind the project - like many, he has an interesting back-story - one that we’d like to share with you here.

Born in Bristol, in 1969, Dan grew up in an artistic environment; his parents bought him his first proper tool kit when he was just eight years old. He was always encouraged to make, question, and explore his creativity. Often chastised at school for daydreaming, it became apparent he was having serious difficulties with his academic studies.

He hid it well, but no-one knew how much this little boy was struggling - from loneliness, social anxiety, and paranoia - all caused by what we now know as debilitating dyslexia. Eventually this took its toll and three days before his sixteenth birthday he was admitted to hospital, and transferred to a specialist unit for children with mental health issues.

Dan lost his freedom, but in doing so gained something very unexpected, an insight into a whole different world and a realisation that no matter how bad his problems were they paled into insignificance when compared to many of the other young people around him. 

After returning home he completed his schooling with a reduced timetable of studies, he enrolled on a cabinet making course at a college in Bristol - finally he could study in an environment in which he excelled and the exceptional bureau that he produced as his final project at 19 years old was noticed by the then Junior Minister for Education, who took him under his wing and encouraged him to develop his skills.

Dan, and his wife, Janette, started their own business in their early twenties, and with over 30 years’ experience of running their own business, Dan and Janette have a solid understanding of budgets, logistics, problem solving and deadlines, which enable them to co-run Standing with Giants. Janette’s role has been Project coordinator from October 2019.

As a devoted Dad to two boys, Dan still finds time for  community minded charitable projects - from sleeping in cardboard boxes to raising funds for the homeless, to creating several giant wicker men and burning them for charity, he has always found time to put his knowledge and skills to benefit the community.

His passion and dedication are truly inspiring. His remarkable ability to coordinate and get things done stands out, especially considering he has never even sent an email! He consistently pushes his projects forward through hard work, determination, and excellent public relations skills. In the past, Thanks to the scale of his efforts and his strong relationships with local businesses, we have received both financial contributions and donations of building and waste materials.

Dan initially was funding installations personally, however, we are desperately now seeking external funding help to enable to keep the Giants ‘on the move’ . We are now operating as a charity since November 2023, and will continue to apply to funding bodies for support however because of his unique vision and ideas they don’t always quite tick all their boxes, so he just hunkers down with even more determination to make things happen. His incredible knack of getting things done and getting volunteers and supporting businesses on board is breathtaking. If you are able to help with this quest please come forward, we would be forever grateful.