82-year-old Inverness veteran begins Land’s End to John O’Groats charity rowing challenge
An 82-year-old Inverness army veteran has begun another incredible charity challenge - rowing the equivalent of Land’s End to John O’Groats.
John Baillie, has embarked on his latest challenge to raise funds for a charity close to his heart, the Erskine Veterans Charity.
He’ll be clocking up the 874 miles on his trusty rowing machine at supermarkets across the Highland and Moray, while also raising awareness of Erskine and the sterling work the charity and care provider does for veterans throughout Scotland.
Hailing from Inverness, John, is a former Staff Sergeant 2/51 Highlands Volunteer, who served in the Adjutant General’s Corps, including three tours of Bosnia during the 1990s. After returning to Civvy Street, John worked in security and delivery for Tesco.
Cleverly, he has combined his vast experience as a Veteran, shop worker, and fundraiser to raise money and awareness for Erskine by booking his slot where there is the most footfall in each store to ensure he is able to chat and meet people whilst rowing.
So far through the years, John has raised tens of thousands of pounds for Erskine Veterans. His last challenge in 2022, rowing the Atlantic from Labrador to Ardnamurchan, alone raised £15k. This was the highest ever raised by a solo challenge event supporter at Erskine, taking his total to just shy of £30k.
John said: “I am very proud to be taking on another exciting challenge for Erskine Veterans Charity in 2024. Rowing from Lands’ End to John O’Groats will commemorate those who sacrificed so much at D-Day, giving their day for our tomorrow.
“Rowing the length of the UK will respect and honour Veterans from across the country. The challenge is even more gruelling for me, as I had my kidney removed for cancer earlier this year. I do love a challenge though, and hopefully our kind supporters recognise this.”
Erskine’s fundraising manager for the north, Michael Parkes, said: “We are delighted and very grateful of John taking on yet another challenging row for the Erskine’s Veterans.
“He doesn’t only raise funds for the charity but awareness. This is amazing as we will be opening our second Erskine Veterans Activity Centre in Forres later in the year and he is certainly spreading the word about it”.
Michael continued: “We’re excited to share the upcoming dates for John’s Inverness rows. If you are in the area, please do pop in to say hello to John and show your support from September 6 to 8 at Tesco Elgin, and from September 27 to 29 at Tesco Dingwall.”
His rowing challenge has already seen him visit the likes of Tesco’s Nairn and Inverness Inshes stores, and has already generated more than £5000.
If you would like to support John, visit his JustGiving page at: https://www.justgiving.com/page/john-baillie-1718800703928.