A TEAM of superfit cyclists are gearing up for a gruelling fundraising challenge that will see them pedal for 500 miles in aid of veterans charity Erskine.

The fundraisers have been inspired by the memory of Jimmy Wilson, who was cared for by Erskine in his later years, while living with Parkinson’s disease.

Jimmy had a reputation as a no-nonsense NCO (non-commissioned officer) during his Army days, with the cycling team hoping to display similar grit as they clock up the miles on their punishing ride along the famous NC500 route around the north coast of Scotland.

The event – dubbed ‘Jimmy’s Ride for Erskine’ – has been organised by fellow veteran Brigadier Simon Allen, of the Royal Scots Dragoon Guards.
Simon, who was one of Jimmy’s closest friends, is keen to give something back to the staff at Erskine who provide care to so many former service personnel.

He said: “We owe Erskine a massive debt and we do this in memory of Jimmy and his fellow NCOs who made our regiment what it is today – second to none.

“We understand that not everyone is a cyclist but you don’t need to get sweaty – you can support the team by donating to the cause.”

A team of eight riders will start the challenge from the stately Inverness Castle on the morning of Monday, September 7, and aim to finish on Saturday, September 12.

The route runs through the traditional counties of Inverness-shire, Ross and Cromarty, Sutherland and Caithness, taking in the likes of Gairloch, Ullapool,Durness, Thurso, John o’Groats, Wick, Dunrobin Castle and Dingwall.

Other keen cyclists who would like to travel north to join them on any part of the road over the five-day challenge to help raise money for Erskine is welcome to do so.

Sara Bannerman, Erskine’s head of fundraising and communications, said: “We are indebted to people like Simon and his team of cyclists for taking on challenges in aid of our veterans.

“With support and help from people like the Jimmy’s Ride team, we can continue the wonderful work done at Erskine of caring, protecting and bringing happiness to the country’s veterans and their spouses when they need it most.

“A heartfelt thank-you from everyone at Erskine.”

Anyone who would like to support the fundraising effort should visit https://give.everydayhero.com/uk/jimmy-s-riders-for-erskine/members or https://jimmysride.org.