Brave Perth mum set for quadruple charity effort

Apr 19 2011 by Greg Christison, Perthshire Advertiser Tuesday

A FEARLESS Fair City mum is gearing up for four demanding charity challenges in an attempt to raise over £4000.

Taxi driver Michelle Quirie (47) will take to the wheel during the Ladies Driving Challenge at Errol on May 14, before skydiving at Strathallan on June 12 and white water rafting on the River Tummel on June 26.

However, the collection of adrenaline-pumping events, which will raise vital funds for the Fire Fighters Charity, will be somewhat overshadowed by the fund-raising finale in January when Michelle embarks on a 12-day trek across Costa Rica.

The Burghmuir Road resident – who is a single mum to five children aged between 12 and 28 – runs local Cub Scout and Beaver organisations and revealed she has persuaded them to help her on her way.

Hours after hiking to the summit of Ben Nevis, Ms Quirie said yesterday: “I don’t have any fear and that may not be a good thing!

“Everyday is a challenge, I’m of the belief you should try something different every day. They wouldn’t let you do it if it was dangerous.

“I’m looking forward to getting behind the wheel of the fire engine and the HGV.

“I’ve never done a skydive before either. I was meant to do one last year for Help for Heroes (H4H) but that fell through.

“There are also 11 of my customers signed up to do it. Then I will be looking ahead to the Costa Rica trip.

“We will spend 12 days walking from coast to coast. It will be really good.”

Revealing she hopes to raise over £4000 in total from the marathon charity effort, Ms Quirie – who is also a keen deep sea diver and a white water rafting enthusiast – is planning several additional events to boost her final donation.

“The Cub Scouts and Beavers are all going to do something to help, there will be a battle of the bands event, a race night and hopefully a concert involving local musicians,” she said.

The Fire Fighters Charity offers support and treatment to firefighters across the UK, a cause Ms Quirie believes is worthy of her support.

She added: “Being a taxi driver you never know when you might need the fire brigade with the amount of crashes you see on our roads.

“Also, one of my friend’s homes in Auchterarder went on fire last year and it was horrific. These guys are putting their lives on the line everyday.”

Jan Mattison, regional fundraiser for the Fire Fighters Charity, said yesterday: “Michelle is full of energy and a real inspiration.

“By taking part in so many of our events, she will be raising a valuable amount for our charity, which receives no government funding.

“The support that Michelle and her donors are giving will make a real difference to so many people and the charity is so grateful for these efforts.”

Pledges can be made at www.justgiving.com/Michelle-Quirie

Places are still available for the Ladies Driving Challenge. For more information visit www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/ldc, e-mail JMattison@firefighterscharity.org.uk or phone 07825 180961.