Fair City mum’s adventure to help Perthshire Women’s Aid

Jul 2 2010 by Johnathon Menzies, Perthshire Advertiser Friday

A TRIO of determined Perth residents are embarking on a two-pronged charity adventure to help a local group fighting the scourge of domestic abuse.

Siblings Cilla and Mark Taylor, who both live in the Fair City’s North Muirton district, are set to cycle 250 miles from John O’Groats to the Highland Perthshire village of Kenmore.

Joined on their August adventure by Cilla’s partner, Western Edge resident David Edgar, the big-hearted delegation will then take to the water and canoe approximately 120 miles of the renowned River Tay.

Mum-of-one Cilla (29) explained any money raised will be donated to assist the “life-changing” work carried-out by Perthshire Women’s Aid (PWA).

The home carer and Perth College UHI student told the PA: “I was in an abusive relationship in the past and I couldn’t have got through it without PWA’s help.

“When you’re in a situation like that it’s important to have someone you feel you can talk to, especially when you’re dealing with issues that your family doesn’t know about at the time.

“They don’t push you to divulge anything you don’t want to, but give you help and advice about things you’re entitled to – like legal issues and talking to the police.

“Even though I’ve moved on with my life I could still get help if I needed it. I’m doing this to say thank-you to the charity and, hopefully, raise some money for them.”

After admitting she’d “never been near a boat before”, ambitious Cilla revealed she’s counting on her younger brother Mark (26), an officer with Viridor in Perth, and partner David (36) – who works with Motor Auction Group in Kinross – to help her find her sea legs.

Mark added: “We’ve all been going to the gym as much as possible to get in shape for August 2, which is when we’ll begin the challenge.

“I know Cilla was initially a bit apprehensive about the canoeing. I’m into that sort of thing and I’ve been taking her and David out to get them used to the boat.

“Now they’re getting into it we’ll be training over longer distances. After the cycle, we’ll be paddling from Kenmore to the Dundee estuary – which is quite a distance now I’m thinking about it!

“I’ve canoed the Tay before and I’m sure both the others will be OK. Cilla’s not the type to let things beat her.”

To donate to Perthshire Women’s Aid, a charity based in Perth’s York Place, visit www.justgiving.com/cillaschallenge