Inverness 80-year-old veteran set to close mammoth challenge this weekend at Tesco in Inshes Retail park as he raised more than £10,000 for charity Erskine
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AN INVERNESS army veteran will complete the mammoth challenge of rowing five million metres this Sunday, having already raised over £10,000 for charity
Bosnia Veteran John Baillie (80) will be in Tesco in the Inshes Retail Park, Inverness to conclude his epic challenge rowing the equivalent of the Atlantic for Scotland’s veterans charity, Erskine.
His most recent outing in Forres took him past the £10,000 landmark, and he hopes to raise even more as he brings his efforts to a close.
Speaking about his challenge, Mr Baillie 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.”
During his row there was one saving grace in that he was spared the risk of running into the wicked conditions so common to the Atlantic. Based in various Tesco stores around the country on this trusty rowing machine, John’s biggest challenge was instead managing to drink and eat all the provisions supplied by members of the public.
Mr Baille, a former Staff Sergeant 2/51 Highlands Volunteer, serving in the Adjutant General’s Corps, returned to civilian life to work in security and delivery for Tesco.
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.”
