Paddlers taking on the Tay for good causes

A GROUP of 12 will paddle along the Tay to raise money for a rugby group and a girl with autism.

The paddle will be from Perth to Broughty Ferry, a whopping 40km.

John McIntyre, 54, came up with the idea of The Big Paddle to raise money for the Strathmore Community Rugby Trust and a local girl called Holly Melville, seven.

The Unified Rugby team, who are known as the Strathie Clan, provide a physical activity programme for adults.

The class offers controlled contact rugby for both disabled and able-bodied people.

The Clan trains on Wednesday between 6pm and 7pm in Forfar.

John is with Unified Rugby but was inspired to launch the fundraiser after hearing about Holly.

He said: “I wanted to raise money for Holly as well as the Strathmore Community Trust at the same time, so the easiest way to do it was to go through the Community Trust.

“The main reason I did this was to raise money to get a companion dog for a little girl that has been diagnosed with autism.

“I used to work with Dave Melville and I know that the family could really use a little help.

“I’ve always wanted to row down the Tay in memory of my brother who drowned in the Tay when he was five.

“I thought: ‘You know what would be a great thing to do to get that monkey off of my shoulder, and to be able to help Dave as well – I wonder if I could actually organise a paddle down the Tay.’

“I rallied a group of lorry drivers round from my work and spoke to Dave and asked if we could raise money for Holly and the dog.

“I’ve got different people from different walks of life to come with us.”

The trust “hold classes in autism rugby, special needs rugby, all-inclusive rugby and walking rugby”.

“I help with the Strathie Clan which is for young adults and adults who have additional support need,” added John.

The paddle will kick off on August 6.