Scottish explorer's trek through Africa 70 years ago inspires grandson to take on cycling challenge for Highland charity
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An epic journey through Africa by a Scottish explorer has inspired his grandson to do his own African challenge to raise funds for a pioneering centre being developed in Inverness.
John Prendegast (19) will cycle 5400 miles from Cairo to Cape Town to raise money for the Elsie Normington Foundation which is building the Haven Centre, Scotland’s first multi-purpose centre for young people with learning difficulties and complex needs and their families.
John, who lives in Fort Augustus, will make his journey 70 years after his grandfather, David Lessels, embarked on a five-year expedition, walking the length and breadth of Africa.
He will set off on the Tour d’Afrique in January and follow a route through through Egypt, Sudan, Kenya, Tanzania, Malawi, Zambia, Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa, aiming to arrive at the finish point on April 22.
He has so far raised more than £2000 towards his £15,000 target.
The former Gordonstoun School pupil has also been inspired by his 20-year-old brother Andrew, who has Down’s syndrome and autism.
“Andrew left school during the lockdown in 2020, and he is yet to fully understand why he no longer has that constant place of support and activity in his routine,” John said. “Growing up around the daily hardships faced by Andrew and my family, I fully understand the importance of the work being completed by the Elsie Normington Foundation and recognise the far-reaching impact that the Haven Centre will have across the Highlands.”
The £4.1 million centre is currently taking shape at a site in Smithton and is due to open early next year.
It will include respite flats for young adults up to the age of 30 and an indoor specialist play centre with childcare facilities.
There will also be a community café, meeting spaces and outdoor garden.
“I would love to support Andrew and other members of the community who are like him in different ways,” said John.
“The challenges he faces every day are immense and I don’t think anyone else can understand how it is for him.
“His brain works in a different way.
“I think the challenges faced by my family and parents to provide the care he deserves are massive.”
He said the Haven Centre will provide safe and happy place for people like Andrew while their families have a short break from the unrelenting commitment of round-the-clock care.
John, who is taking a gap year before going to university to study geography, is a professional piper and busks in Fort Augustus as well as playing at weddings and other events.
He will be part of a group doing the Tour d’Afrique organised by TDA Global Cycling.
For John, it will also mark the 10th anniversary of his grandfather’s death.
David Lassels joined the Army at the end of World War II and was sent to Kenya where he picked up a disease resulting in the removal of an eye.
But he fell in love with Africa and after being demobbed returned to make a five-year journey through the continent.
“I am sure that he will be watching over with a wink and a smile as I follow in his footsteps and do my best to help this wonderful charity,” John said.
People can donate at JohnPrendergastCyclingAfrica.
His forthcoming challenge was highlighted at a fundraiser organised by Inverness Fitness Studio at the Tesco Extra store at the Inverness Shopping Park.
A team covered 1000km – the equivalent of cycling from Inverness to London – on three spin bikes to raise £900.
Fitness studio backs charity developing pioneering centre
It was the first joint venture between the foundation and the fitness studio, run by Drew Milne and Scott Murray, which has committed to helping to raise funds and awareness of the Haven Centre in the coming months.
