Queen of Bermuda Sybil Barrington is swapping her high heels for sneakers — but only for one morning.

The man behind Sybil, Mark Anderson, is walking from Dockyard to St George’s to raise money for the Centre Against Abuse.

The Royal Gazette revealed two weeks ago that the cash-strapped charity has been forced to close its shelter for victims fleeing abuse — the only facility of its kind on the Island — and may have to axe all of its services if it cannot secure funding.

Mr Anderson has now stepped forward to join the kind-hearted residents and companies who have donated to help to save the safe house.

“I’m doing the walk by myself but if anyone wants to join me they are more than welcome,” he said. “It’s on Thursday, September 18, and I’ll walk from the Maritime Museum to Fort St Catherine, starting at 6am.

“I won’t be in heels — I could do it in heels but I’d only be able to go from Dockyard to Somerset.

“I’m walking as Mark, the man behind Sybil Barrington. I’m walking very comfortably in my gym gear.

“The reason I’m walking from Dockyard to St George’s is because this is a community problem and a community event. I’m walking for everyone who has been or may be affected — this affects us all.

“I’m pledging that if I can get 10,000 people to give $100, that $1 million could help the Centre Against Abuse to buy a shelter of their own, or use it for whatever they need.”

Mr Anderson, who drives a bus when he isn’t performing as Sybil, wanted to help the Centre because of his own traumatic personal experiences of domestic abuse.

“My mother was abused by my stepfather, physically and mentally,” he said. “As a little boy I had to go to live with my grandmother.

“At that time I didn’t know much about abuse but it was a very trying time for me and through my life I’ve been very affected by that.

“My younger siblings didn’t see any of the beatings but I saw it all.

“I don’t want a tragedy happening because we don’t have a shelter open. Victims need a place to go.

“A woman once got on my bus with her three children — she had no place to go so got on the bus at night with her children to escape her husband.

“This shelter is desperately needed.”

Everyone has a family member or friend affected by domestic abuse in some form, Mr Anderson said, as he appealed for the whole community to help.

“It’s a good cause and we have to do it for everybody concerned,” he said. “My heart is really in this and I really would like for people to assist and make a donation.

“Donate to the Centre’s HSBC account or take a cheque to them. My goal is to raise $1 million, let’s get there. I’m donating my $100 and my time.

“I’ve no fundraising page, I want the money to go straight to the Centre, that’s where it needs to go.

“If you can’t afford $100 give $10 or $20. If anyone can afford $100, so be it — I’m worth it.”

Mr Anderson will set off from Dockyard at 6am and hopes to reach Fort St Catherine by noon.

“I’d like them to set off the gun cannon when I arrive at the Fort as a thank you and as a sentiment of the cause,” he said.

“I’m hoping to be down there before noon. I’m preparing myself by drinking lots of fluids. At one time I was a regular walker but I’ve been missing it for a few weeks, so I’m slowly getting back into it — since last week I’ve been walking for an hour a day. I’m very much geared up for the event.

“I’m doing this for the community, people can join me wherever they want. Company would be wonderful if people want to join for the whole thing or part of the way — let’s get the party started.”

Mr Anderson intends to walk down Middle Road because “I want everyone to see me, I won’t use trails”.

He plans to pass Bermuda Aquarium and Zoo in Flatts on his way to St George’s.

“I’ll be stopping at Temptations when I get to St George’s, they do nice, fresh salads. That will be my little energy boost.

“I’m very much looking forward to the walk, I’m going to have a super, super time.”

The Centre Against Abuse said it was “very thankful” to Mr Anderson for his admirable effort.

“This is not the first time Mark has worked with us,” said executive director Laurie Shiell. “This really isn’t about him making a name for himself, he genuinely does have a heart.

“We’re very thankful to him for coming up with this brilliant idea and hope Bermuda will join behind us.

“We’re encouraging everyone to support him on his walk.”

Donations can be transferred to the Centre Against Abuse’s HSBC account 010-284636-001.

For more information about the Centre, visit www.centreagainstabuse.bm