An adventurous Perth woman is taking on four charity challenges in a bid to raise money for local firefighters.
Although driving is her day job, Michelle Quirie is looking forward to swapping her taxi for something rather more substantial as part of her fund-raising efforts.
The Ladies Driving Challenge, which takes place at Errol on May 14, will see the 47-year-old get behind the wheel of several different vehicles, which may include an HGV, a fire engine or even a combine harvester.
She will then be skydiving and whitewater rafting weeks later, before undertaking a 12-day trek in Costa Rica.
To ensure she is totally fit, the mother-of-five is regularly training with the British Military Fitness classes, as well as recently completing a climb up Ben Nevis within three hours.
However, Michelle believes that, no matter how impressive they are, her achievements are still overshadowed by the everyday work of the fire crews in Perth, which is why she hopes to raise £4000 for the Fire Fighters Charity.
“We are very lucky here in Perth because we probably have one of the highest-trained crews where water rescues are concerned,” she said. “They have done a lot of intensive training and, as a result, it’s now highly unlikely that people are going to have any related tragedies.
“These guys put their lives at risk every day and they don’t even think about their own safety because it’s all part of the job. I just think it would be nice for them to have plenty of support in the event that they do get injured.”
Michelle also praised the support given by Perth fire station when she took her Cub Scout group there for an educational visit. She told The Courier that the youngsters were so enthralled with the tour and equipment demonstrations that they all passed a subsequent test with flying colours.
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In fact, inspired by the visit and their leader’s own efforts, the Beaver group has planned an event on May 8 to boost the funds of the Fire Fighters Charity.
Michelle added, “As part of our programme, we do a lot of things in the community and for charity, as well as lots of learning. The children decided they wanted to do a sponsored cycle and chose their charity after the visit to Perth fire station.
“We will be heading to Luncarty and, weather depending, I’m hoping we can have a picnic and some games there before heading back. It will be quite a challenge for them but we are all looking forward to it.”
Among the additional events being organised to help her hit her £4000 target is an afternoon busking in the St John’s Centre by one of Perth’s most well-known faces.
Despite being 90 years old, Nell Hannah will be showcasing her singing skills at the shopping centre, as well as donating the proceeds of her annual birthday concert in the North Church to Michelle’s fund-raising pot.
“Everyone does seem to be getting behind it and I have been getting a lot of community support,” Michelle said. “This has only been going on for the last month or so and there has already been £500 donated.
“I’ve also had people volunteering to do bits and pieces to make sure I raise as much as possible, so that has been amazing. Some of my customers will even be joining me on the whitewater rafting event and have helped me fill two boats up.”
To support Michelle, go to www.justgiving.com/Michelle-Quirie.
There are still places available for the Ladies Driving Challenge, which can be booked at www.firefighterscharity.org.uk/ldc, emailing jmattison@firefighterscharity.org.uk or calling 07825 180961.