Have a ball to help veterans take a break

Erskine military gala tickets will fund retreat

Veterans are being sent on holiday to a Highland retreat by a leading charity.

Erskine will book an overnight stay for servicemen and women every time an early bird table is sold for its military ball.

It wants families to enjoy time together at the luxury getaway on the banks of Loch Ness.

Ex- army man Bill McMahon suffers from Parkinson’s disease and visited The Highland Club on the banks of Loch Ness with wife Agnes.

She said: “We didn’t feel we would be able to enjoy holidays again until we were given this amazing opportunity of a delightful and relaxing break.

“We had lots of fun using all the on-site leisure activities, but more importantly we were able to spend quality, stress-free time together as a family.

“The Highland Club was like a little bit of heaven.”

Bill and Agnes live in an Erskine cottage.

He was medically discharged in 1989 and has recently been diagnosed with his illness.

Bill can no longer fly to exotic destinations as walking through airports and waiting around departure lounges has become too stressful.

Sara Bannerman, head of external relations at Erskine, says families like the former squaddie will benefit from breaks.

She said: “This scheme is a perfect example of how much they genuinely care for Erskine veterans.

“The staff are a pleasure to work with, whether it is sponsoring events, promoting the charity or providing holidays.

“They put their heart and soul into ensuring our veterans receive the best possible support when they need it.”

The Highland Club sponsors the charity’s flagship fundraising event, the Erskine Military Ball.

It has pledged their ongoing support to bring more veterans living at Erskine for a holiday at Fort Augustus.

Pardeep Sandhu, head of philanthropy for the firm, says two more breaks have already been confirmed for the coming months.

He said: “We’re delighted to be able to support such a wonderful charity.

“The work that Erskine does in providing care for veterans is invaluable and we feel honoured to be a part of it.”

The Erskine Military Ball takes place on September 28 at The Hilton, Glasgow, hosted by actress and comedian Elaine C Smith.

Tickets cost £1,000 per table of 10 or £100 per individual ticket.

Those booking before May 4 will help pay for veterans to stay at the resort.

For more information, call Erskine on 0141 814 4555.