John is on the march for Erskine veterans’ charity
A West Lothian pensioner has presented a cheque for £5000 to veterans’charity, Erskine.
John Thomson, from Livingston, handed over the money to the charity at its Edinburgh Home in Gilmerton.
In November, John (77), who served with Royal Signals TA, RHF and the Army Cadet Force, started at his home and walked to and from the Scottish War Blinded Linburn Centre in Wilkieston.
The 15-mile walk took John five hours with his brother Pat (75), who walked with him for safety and support.
A long-time member of the Livingston branch of the Legion Scotland, John has been raising funds for charity for over 47 years. This year Erskine is the delighted recipient of John’s efforts.
Receiving the cheque on behalf of Erskine, community fundraising manager Karen MacAulay said:“We would like to thank John and Pat for undertaking this challenging walk for Erskine.
“Unwavering support such as this helps us to keep our veterans and their spouses safe, happy and well.
“It is very much appreciated by everyone here at Erskine.”
John said:“The veterans’ charities have suffered this year and I wanted to make sure I did my bit to make it easier for them.
“We started at the crack of dawn and the aim was to raise £5000 and we did so I am happy with that. Now a rest until I start back fundraising again next year.”
The pensioner is no stranger to raising money for charity and has raised thousands.
He has picked a charity every year for the past 47 years and each time throws himself into fundraising through activities like walking and swimming. He has raised tens of thousands for organisations including the British Legion, Poppy Scotland, Help for Heroes and the West Lothian branch of Prostate Cancer UK Scotland.
Anyone who would like to support Erskine can donate now at www.erskine.org.uk/ donate.