Bosnian Veteran, John Baillie (79), intends rowing the Atlantic, a mere 5,000,000 metres or so! However there is one saving grace in that he won’t have the hardship of enduring the Atlantic weather, seasickness or lack of sleep as he will be on this trusty rowing machine in various Tesco stores around the country.

John, a former Staff Sergeant 2/51 Highlands Volunteer, serving in the Adjutant General’s Corps, which included three tours of Bosnia, returned to Civvy Street to work in security and delivery for Tesco. This made it an easy choice when deciding the location from which to carry out his fantastic fundraising feat of raising money and awareness 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 a 79 year Veteran rowing 5 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. John’s phenomenal efforts will help us to continue to support almost 1,000 Veterans each year through our accommodation, activities and employment.”

John will be collecting funds at his public rowing sessions:

4th 5th 6th August - Elgin Tesco.

11th/12th/13^th August – Tain Tesco

25th/26th/27th August - Victorian Market Inverness

For more information contact Community Fundraiser Jim Watret on jim.watret@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 or listen to Erskine Veterans Radio at Erskine.org.uk/radio or Paisley FM 107.5