A charity cycle by the family of a popular Perth businesswoman who passed away suddenly has smashed a fundraising target as locals rally to show support for restauranteur Paula Tabourel.
Paula was the face of Perth ’s Cardo restaurant and several other award-winning eateries before that.
On November 20, 2021 Paula’s family was left devastated when she passed away suddenly aged 53.
Daughter Roxanne, along with her dad Herve and partner Ross are Team Tab, and are embarking on a cycle from Land’s End to John O’ Groats, raising funds for the British Red Cross.
Determined Team Tab, cycling 80 miles every day for 12 days, are now around halfway through.
The Pedal for Paula challenge has touched people’s hearts, with £8455 having been pledged already – the original target was £1000.
Messages sent to the gofundme page that helped inspire Roxanne and her crew included: “A brilliant cause, in memory of a wonderful woman, best of luck.”
“What a marvellous thing to do in memory of your mother. All the very best to you all,” said another.
Roxanne explained the reason for getting on her bike and cycling the length of the UK.
“My beautiful mama passed away unexpectedly on November 20 last year. To honour my mother’s life my father, boyfriend and I have all decided to embark on a challenge of a lifetime and cycle the length of the UK, starting in Land’s End and finishing in John O’Groats.
“My mother would be watching the news today through tearful eyes, wanting to do something to help which is why we have decided to donate all the money raised to the British Red Cross, a charity which helps people in crisis all over the world.
“Do you want to join us in making a difference? Thank you in advance for any donations. We are beyond grateful.”
Paula was a popular local figure remembered by her family as a “passionate” and “an incredible woman”.
When she died tributes flooded in.
Tricia Fox said: “She was so full of life, an amazing advocate for Perth and the hospitality industry, a warm and friendly woman and a passionate businesswoman and entrepreneur.
“Many of the restaurants we eat in today were dreamt up and kick started by Paula and Herve – Cardo, Sante, Breizh, Cafe Tabou.
“I shall really miss her warm welcome in the cafe, her friendly chats, her amazing service, her outspoken passion and her smile.”
On what would have been her 54th birthday on May 20, Roxanne wrote: “My mother: a force of nature, an incredible soul, a class act, a beautiful woman inside and out, unapologetically herself who saw the world just as it was.
“Today I ask you to please think of her wherever you are. Whether she made a significant impact in your life or you only met her once, please light a candle if you can or toast her over a glass of wine and think of a memorable moment you shared with her.
“There’s a significant void in Cardo without the woman that held it all together. However, I am so incredibly proud of our team who have continued day in and day out to live out her legacy.”
Thanks to Paula, many Perth people enjoyed their first taste of European cuisine.
To follow the journey see Instagram @pedal4paula and to show some support and to follow their journey, see the charity page http://gofundme.com/f/pedal-for-paula
