We are sure ‘The Proclaimers’ would be suitably impressed by three Veterans who have undertaken a 500-mile cycling challenge to raise money for their Erskine Care Home.
The firm friends, who live in the charities Glasgow Home, all greatly enjoy cycling on the exercise bike, so aftercare staff suggested being sponsored they took up the challenge with gusto!
With a combined age of 260, Alistair Chambers (age 94), Alexander Bremner (age 84) and Charles Connor (age 82) are cycling on average 14 miles a day and have already smashed their fundraising target of £100!
The static bike is positioned on an undercover balcony area at the Dorchester Avenue Home where Alistair, Alex and Chic go for a cycle and a chat. They said:
“We get on really well and like to sit and chat together. We all sit on the veranda and blether while one is taking their turn on the bike. It is lovely sitting pedalling away and looking out into the garden area watching everything that is going on.”
Para Veteran Alistair from Tighnabruaich, Argyll said:
“I’m enjoying cycling and have noticed it has increased my appetite for food. I am really hungry now at meal times!”
RAF Veteran Alex from Bearsden, Glasgow said:
“It’s really good to be doing some exercising again, especially just now when we aren’t able to be going out and about.”
Army Veteran Chic, who was in the Highland Light Infantry and is from Riddrie, Glasgow said:
“I like to watch all the different birds come and go as I pedal away.”
Life during the current pandemic has not been easy but they all agree that having the cycling to focus on has made life a lot better and think it’s a nice way to pass the time.
They said:
“No-one is overly competitive. We have a rota system in place so we all get a fair shot on the bike!”
To everyone who has already sponsored them, Alistair, Alex and Chic would like to say:
“Thank you very much and well done for sponsoring us! We hope people will donate because it’s a really good cause and the money raised will benefit all the 47 residents who live here. Every resident has served their country or is the spouse of a Veteran.”
Manager of Erskine Glasgow, Gordon Johnston said:
“I’m really proud of Alistair, Alex and Chic undertaking this fundraising venture. It has been difficult for them not being able to go out of the home and being separated from their loved ones, so this is so worthwhile. It will enable them to keep exercising, providing them with a real purpose every day, in addition to raising funds for the home. I cycle to work daily but won’t come close to their total in a whole year!”
To support them with their cycling challenge you can donate via:
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/erskineglasgow500milecycle
