Wokingham councillor goes to new heights for charity

A COUNCIL education boss is going where no Wokingham councillor has been before when she throws herself from one of Britain’s best loved landmarks.

Wokingham’s education and children’s social care executive member Cllr Charlotte Haitham Taylor will travel more than 400 miles to Scotland to abseil down the 165ft tall Forth Rail Bridge in a bid to raise money for assistance dog charity Canine Partners.

The mum-of-one will be among 10 volunteers who will bravely descend from the iconic 126-year-old UNESCO World Heritage Site structure which towers over the Firth of Forth River, nine miles from Edinburgh.

Any cash that Charlotte raises will help the charity continue its work transforming the lives of disabled people by providing specially trained assistance dogs who can pick up dropped items, load and unload washing machines, dress and undress a person and fetch help in an emergency.

Cllr Haitham Taylor, 38, an artist from Riseley, Wokingham, who is taking part with her friend Jacqueline Reid said: “I was incredibly inspired by this charity’s work when I met someone who is supported by a canine partner a few years ago.

“It really empowers people and actually helps save some people from what can be quite a difficult and uniquely challenging life.

“My seven-year-old daughter Matilda did some rock climbing lessons last year and I went to a session to help her along. I was a little bit apprehensive about that so I’m somewhat nervous about doing the abseil.

“The hardest part will be taking the first step off the edge and having nothing below my feet. Once we’ve started I’m sure it’ll be absolutely fantastic but the first drop on the rope will be scary.

“I’m most looking forward to my feet touching solid ground again – hopefully following a controlled descent.”

The event on October 9 is now fully booked but for more information about Canine Partners’ upcoming events or how to support the charity visit caninepartners.org.uk.

To donate to Charlotte’s fundraising appeal visit acefrb-oct2016.everydayhero.com/uk/charlotte-haitham-taylor

Or to support Jacqueline visit acefrb-oct2016.everydayhero.com/uk/jacqueline-1