Former RAF gunner climbs Mont Blanc for Erskine

Danny Pawson, a former RAF Regiment gunner, is attempting to conquer Mont Blanc this May in a daring bid to raise funds for Erskine, Scotland’s largest Veterans charity.

Now living in Glasgow, Danny, aged 42, joined the RAF at 17, mostly being based at RAF Lossiemouth with 51 Sqn. He served during the Iraq invasion in 2003 and completed multiple tours in Iraq and Kuwait. After five years of service and numerous operational tours, Danny transitioned to civilian life, but his commitment to supporting Veterans has only grown stronger.

Danny will be part of a six-member team taking on the challenge of ascending Europe's highest peak.

Danny said: “I've always thrived on challenges and adventure from my days in the RAF. Erskine has been a beacon of support for our veterans, and raising funds through this climb is my way of giving back to those who sacrificed so much for us. Seeing all the donations come in has been an incredible surprise and very overwhelming, knowing it all goes towards such a worthy cause.”

The climb is scheduled for the end of May, flying to Geneva to meet the team before tackling the Italian Grand Paradiso as a final preparatory climb before tackling Mont Blanc itself. Danny aims to raise significant funds, having nearly tripled his initial goal of £1,000, with all proceeds going directly to Erskine.

Danny added: “To climb Mont Blanc the cost is almost £4,000 including flights, equipment and costs to the Adventure company / mountain guides. I’ve paid this and I’m not looking to recoup a single penny – everything I raise will be going straight to Erskine. Some people might think I’m nuts, but I just enjoy the challenge, testing my physical capabilities that I’ve always tried to keep up since being in the military”.

Wing Commander Ian Cumming MBE, Erskine Chief Executive, said: “Danny and I worked together in the RAF Regiment, on a Scottish air base and on operations overseas. His mission up Mont Blanc resonates with our corps’ motto: “Through Adversity”. It is not just a test of physical endurance, but also a profound gesture of support to his fellow servicemen and women. His remarkable efforts and fundraising will significantly contribute to the care and support we provide at Erskine, aiding hundreds of veterans across Scotland. I’m extremely grateful and I wish him well in this challenge"

For more information on Danny’s journey or to contribute to the cause, please visit:

https://www.justgiving.com/page/daniel-pawson-1701239762379

To find out more about Erskine Veterans Charity’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.

Erskine Veterans Charity | Company No. SC174103 | Registered Charity No. SC006609 | The Erskine Home, Erskine Veterans Village, Bishopton, PA7 5PU