Cyanara Ellingford, Trustee

Cyanara has been brought up with disability with her Dad being a wheelchair user for all of her life. She its married to Steven and they have three girls, the younger two being twins but far from being identical.

From the age of 18 Cyanara has worked as a professional carer for people with physical disabilities, cognitive impairments and mental health disabilities.  She held the position of Convener for some years, but due to the pressures of her work, personal and professional life, Cyanara has had to step back but remains a trustee of the charity.

Cyanara has a 2:1 Honours Degree in Law from Abertay University and works for Scottish Autism as an Autism Practitioner at present but hopes to move into higher position in management in the same organisation. She has dedicated her life to those less fortunate than herself..

Dougie McDonald, Trustee

Hi everyone, I am Dougie McDonald and I have worked for many years in the security industry, and still do.

I have been married to Liz for 44 years. Unfortunately, Liz has chronic rheumatoid arthritis, walks with crutches for short distances in the house but has to use a wheelchair outside and for going longer distances. 

Liz has had to have some of her toes amputated and part of her left foot because of the rheumatoid arthritis. Consequently, as well as working full-time I am Liz’s full-time carer, husband and confidant.

When we were younger, we were initially blessed with two daughters but both were unfortunately born with very severe disabilities and both passed away early in their young lives. This, although devastating at the time, did not deter us from wanting a family and eventually we were blessed with a son, Douglas. We are so fortunate to now also be blessed with grandchildren who we treasure with all our hearts.

You see, I have been around people with disabilities for many years and Liz and me have found both grief and happiness all linked to disability.

Having already been a member of Disability Beyond Borders I felt that I could use my experiences in life to help other people who are either disabled or where disability has affected their lives in one way or another. Put quite simply, I want to make a difference because I believe that disabled people have the right to a quality of life the same as anyone who does not have a disability, and being a trustee of the charity enables me to make that little bit of a difference.

Isobel Melville, Funding Trustee

Hi to everyone, I have recently been appointed a Trustee of this very worthwhile charity.

I am looking forward to contributing any suggestions for fundraising and generally helping in any way I can.

My father was disabled and had both legs amputated above the knee, as a consequence I have first-hand experience of the trials and tribulations disability brings to a person daily life.

My father was fitted with artificial limbs at Broughty Ferry Limb Centre and was the start of a very different life, only for my father but for all the family. This taught me valuable life lessons and I think the best way to help in a disabled person’s life is to respect them and help to retain their dignity,,.

I was a volunteer at PKAVS (Perth and Kinross Association for Voluntary Services) for 3 years and very much enjoyed engaging with all the service users.

I currently own and run a Cleaning Agency and previously I was a Company Director of a Road Maintenance Company for 25 years

I am now in semi-retirement and have time to assist with any task required with the exception of technology as it terrifies me. I actually ike being a bit of a technological dinosaur,,.

I hope this has given a little insight to my varied life and last but not least I am a proud mother of my twin sons Declan & Callum who have now flown the nest as much as boys can.

I look forward to meeting you all soon and being instrumental in supporting disabled people to live lives with dignity and respect, and with choice and independence.