An army Veteran from Inverness has completed the mammoth challenge of rowing 3,000 miles, equivalent to an Atlantic crossing, to raise nearly £12,000 for Erskine.  

Bosnia Veteran John Baillie, 80, concluded his epic rowing challenge in Tesco in the Inshes Retail Park, Inverness.

During his row there was one saving grace in that he was spared the risk of running into the wicked conditions so common to the Atlantic. Based in various Tesco stores around the country on this trusty rowing machine, John’s biggest challenge was instead managing to drink and eat all the provisions supplied by members of the public.

John, a former Staff Sergeant 2/51 Highlands Volunteer, serving in the Adjutant General’s Corps, returned to Civvy Street to work in security and delivery for Tesco. This made it an easy choice when deciding the location to carry out his fundraising feat for Erskine.

Speaking about his challenge John said: “I fundraise for Erskine as both my wife’s uncles received first class care from Erskine. In addition, everyone I have ever spoken to has nothing but the very highest of praise for the care family members have received from Erskine.

“It’s a joy for me to hear such great comments from the general public which makes all my hard work worthwhile. I hope that locals and visitors to the area will enjoy coming along to say hello. Hopefully an 80-year-old veteran rowing five million metres for fellow Veterans will hopefully mean they’ll chuck a few quid into my collection bucket.”

Erskine’s Community Fundraiser, Jim Watret said: “It’s an honour that John is supporting Erskine with this incredible challenge. John speaks very passionately about his time in the Army and his various charity work over the years. I’m sure his rowing challenge will be a great spectacle for people to come and watch, especially with the strong link to the Service community throughout the Highlands.”

To find out more about Erskine’s work please visit our website at www.erskine.org.uk, follow on twitter @ErskineCharity via Facebook www.facebook.com/ErskineVeteransCharity or listen to Erskine Veterans Radio at Erskine.org.uk/radio.

To donate directly to Erskine, please visit Erskine.org.uk/donate