Inverness Veteran completes rowing challenge at Tesco Extra at Inshes retail park with £12,000 raised for Erskine charity
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AN 80-YEAR-OLD veteran from Inverness completed his mammoth challenge in aid for a charity.
John Baillie, who served with the 2nd Battalion 251 Highland Division and 3 Highlanders Army Reserve, finished an epic rowing challenge, which saw him rowing five million metres – the equivalent of the Atlantic – on Sunday at Tesco Inshes Retail Park.
The feat was in support of veterans charity Erskine, for which Mr Baillie raised £12,000.
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 an 80-year-old veteran rowing five million metres for fellow Veterans will hopefully mean they’ll chuck a few quid into my collection bucket.”
A spokesperson from Erskine said: "We are absolutely overwhelmed by the support received by John.
"We can't thank him enough for all his efforts."
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.”
This was not the first time Mr Baillie set off to raise vital funds for Erskine: two years ago he rowed more than 3000 miles – the equivalent of the Equator.
