Football coach raises funds for Balloan FC's tournament trip and in memory of late father with virtual trip to Portugal
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As an HGV driver, John Mackinnon was more than used to clocking up countless road miles.
Behind the wheel of a stationary spin bike, it was brand new territory.
With grit and perseverance, though, the 45-year-old from Drakies managed to complete a mileage that would have impressed any long-distance driver.
Mr Mackinnon pedalled the virtual equivalent of an eye-watering 1829 miles (2943.6km) from Inverness to Portugal’s Castelo De Vide, raising £1570 in sponsorship for two great causes – the charity Dementia UK and the youth football outfit where he coaches.
The choice of virtual destination, a town near the Spanish border, was in recognition of Balloan FC’s twice dashed hopes of revisiting an annual international soccer tournament there.
The £785 split will go into the club’s kitty to help pay for the youngsters’ rescheduled trip, Covid-allowing, next year. The Dementia UK donation was in memory of his father, Angus John, who passed away two years ago.
• Related article: Balloan FC coach will pedal the miles to Portugal – mostly from the comfort of his own living room
Feeling fitter for his efforts, Mr Mackinnon, originally from South Uist, is now contemplating covering the same “homeward” mileage from Castelo de Vide to Inverness at a future date, only this time with the mileage built on the roads and hills around Inverness.
“I’m not putting any great pressure on myself over timing, but I’d like to repeat the trip, only this time outside on the road bike,” Mr Mackinnon said.
“It is certainly easier on the stationary bike than in the great outdoors, although boredom can be a factor indoors.
“Dementia UK is a charity close to my heart and I was delighted to be able to help raise funds for the Balloan FC trip, albeit it has been cancelled for a second year due to the pandemic.
“All going well, the age group who have missed out can make it next year as they are still eligible. Hopefully, it comes off as it will be a trip of a lifetime for many of these young people.”
The challenge took Mr Mackinnon from the start of February deep into March, mainly because work commitments forced him to pound out the distance mostly at weekends.
Balloan FC chairman James Fraser said: “It was a magnificent effort from John and our young players really appreciate what he and other fundraisers have done, especially at this time when charity donations are harder to come by. For us a club, the sum is just a massive amount and can help us realise the dream of taking five teams over to Portugal next year.”
• Anyone wishing to contribute to the fundraiser can do so here
