Two-wheel tribute to the war dead
Duo also aim to support PTSD sufferers
Two former soldiers have hit the road on a mercy mission to save their comrades.
Hamilton ex-squaddies Calum Macleod and Jason King travelled thousands of miles across Europe by motorbike to help traumatised troops – and honour the dead of both world wars.
Their pilgrimage also raised awareness about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among modern veterans and emergency services staff.
Former King’s Own Scottish Borderer Sergeant Calum, who served in Iraq and Northern Ireland, said: “This was an epic road trip to remember the fallen and support the living.
“Jason and I are both veterans who have been heavily involved in setting up the charity Who Dares Cares. I have first hand experience of PTSD and its impact on not only the person but their family and friends.
“PTSD is not a sign of weakness, it’s a result of people battling through experiences and places that others fear and shy away from. There is still a tremendous amount of ignorance about the subject.
“We are now dedicated to raising funds to help improve awareness and provide support to people from any walk of life with this challenging condition.”
Former Record Our Heroes nominee Calum and Jason biked to Dunkirk, Ypres, Arnhem, Berlin and the infamous Dachau concentration camp during their mammoth journey. Their trek – starting at Edinburgh Castle – has been backed by veterans, serving soldiers and Police Scotland.
Calum, who also a director of operations with Alba Military Fitness, based at Strathclyde Country Park, added: “We aim to ensure that no one ever feels alone or has nowhere to turn for help.”
Go to www.totalgiving.co.uk/ mypage/rideofremembrance
Pictures by Tom Chambers Photography.
PTSD is not a sign of weakness, it’s a result ofpeoplebattlingthroughexperiencesand places that others fear and shy away from