RAF Veteran takes on 23-mile challenge for Erskine Veterans Charity

David Tait, a retired RAF Wing Commander, is set to take on the Mighty Stride at this year’s Kiltwalk to raise funds for Erskine Veterans Charity. With 22 years of military service behind him, the 45-year-old Glaswegian has a longstanding connection to the charity, which has been part of his life since childhood.

David’s ties to Erskine date back more than four decades. In 1983, at the age of five, he attended a visit by the late Princess Diana and Prince Charles, now King Charles III, at Erskine Hospital, where he recalls shaking hands with the Princess. King Charles remains the Charity’s patron to this day.

Throughout his childhood, David visited Erskine regularly, witnessing first-hand the care provided to some of Scotland’s last surviving World War I veterans. Today, he continues to support the charity’s work, which includes care homes, Transitional Supported Accommodation Apartments, family cottages, Assisted Living Apartments, and Activity Centres in Renfrewshire and Moray. Erskine also provides support for veterans within their communities through its Support at Home service.

David is no stranger to the Mighty Stride challenge, having completed it last year. On April 27, he will once again lace up his boots to walk the 23 miles from Glasgow Green to Loch Lomond, which will take approximately eight hours.

For David, supporting Erskine is a family legacy. His godfather, Andrew Robertson, previously chaired the Erskine Board of Trustees, and his late great-uncle, Colonel Derek Naismith TAVR, was an active committee member during the 1970s and 1980s.

David said: “I am proud to take on the Mighty Stride once again for Erskine. The care and support Erskine provides to veterans is truly invaluable, and I am proud to continue my family’s tradition of supporting this incredible charity. Walking 23 miles is a small challenge compared to the sacrifices made by our veterans, and I encourage others to get involved in any way they can.”

Wing Commander Ian Cumming MBE, Erskine Chief Executive, said: “We are incredibly grateful to David for his dedication and unwavering support for Erskine. His commitment is truly inspiring, and his efforts help ensure that we can continue to provide the highest standard of care for veterans across Scotland. The Mighty Stride is no easy feat, and we wish David the very best on his journey.”

For more information on how to support Erskine Veterans Charity, visit www.erskine.org.uk.

For further information please contact Susan Hamilton, Communications Officer, on 0141 814 4719 or email susan.hamilton@erskine.org.uk

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