By Susan Hamilton
At the Edinburgh care home of the Veterans’ charity Erskine, three intrepid fundraisers accepted the good wishes of everyone for their upcoming challenge.
Aptly named by the trio, The West Highland Way 100 is in aid of ex-service personnel and their spouses cared for, by the charity, in four care homes across Scotland.
On Saturday 7th August, Stephen Dunn (46), Dillon Thomson (18) and Michael Downey (18) will begin their very original and exceptionally daunting adventure.
A loaded march of 100 miles following the route of the famous West Highland Way, ascending a total of 15,000 feet, whilst carrying 35lb in weight.
Finishing, a punishing, 30 hours later in Fort William, the team will have been pushed not only physically but mentally too.
They are, however steadfast in their determination to succeed. Their loyalty to those who have served being at the heart of everything they have trained for the past few months.
All three have strong connections to the Armed Forces. Michael is serving with 2 Paras, student Dillon has aspirations of joining the Armed Services on graduating and is under the watchful eye of the Training Wing staff at 4 Para (Reserves) in Glasgow.
And, long-time Erskine supporter Stephen, as well as serving in the TA, has witnessed the exceptionally high standard of care given to his Uncle by devoted and professional staff in the charity’s Anniesland home.
Dillon said: “The challenge ahead gives me an opportunity to show my support for those who served our country and to those who provide the vital care for them. Our fundraising attempt is our way of contributing to this crucial work,”
Michael said: “As a serving soldier the importance of Erskine can’t be understated; it could easily be me, needing that support one day.
And finally from Stephen: “Erskine has a special place in my heart and having witnessed first-hand, the exemplary care given to a member of my own family, the challenge we have set, is a way to show our gratitude for the work they continue to do. We’re proud to support those who care”
Erskine’s Head of Fundraising & Communications Sara Bannerman said: “We would like to thank Stephen, Dillon and Michael for undertaking this extremely challenging event in aid of Erskine.
“Unwavering support such as this helps us to keep our Veterans and their spouses safe, happy and well. It is very much appreciated and we wish the team every success on their march”
Support this epic challenge by visit their Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/whw100-2020 and to find out more about Erskine visit www.erskine.org.uk #OurErskineChallenge #whw100
Erskine is a family. Our strength lies in the very special blend of dedicated care, compassion and understanding we offer to our residents and their families. When Erskine was founded in 1916, our aim was to care for Service men and women who had been injured in active service. Today, care remains the cornerstone of our philosophy. We not only care for our Veterans – we care about them.
As Scotland’s foremost provider of care for Veterans and their spouses, Erskine provides unrivalled nursing, residential, respite and dementia care in four homes throughout Scotland.
We also assist younger Veterans who need help to begin the next chapter of their lives, offering social, recreation and training facilities at our Activity Centre and employment opportunities in partnership with Scotland’s Bravest Manufacturing Co.
On the Erskine Estate in Bishopton we have 44 cottages for Veterans and their families, five assisted living apartments and building work underway for 24 single living apartments- creating a Veterans’ Village supporting Veterans of all ages.
As a charity, we rely on the generosity of our supporters to maintain our commitment to care for Scotland’s Veterans – without donations we simply cannot continue this work.
If and when the time is right, please remember Erskine in your will