Cycling soldiers put it on the line for BLESMA
They may be feeling the miles, but putting their bodies on the line is nothing new for the soldiers of The Black Watch.
BLESMA residents with the cyclists Jimmy Rodgers (left) and Chris Baddeley (right) with (back from left) Nigel MacGillvray, Robbie Tollan, Colin Hamilton, Kristopher Wishart and Graham Parker.
- By Mark Mackay
- Published in the Courier : 27.04.10
- Published online : 27.04.10 @ 11.58am
A seven-strong group of soldiers is undertaking an arduous 874-mile charity cycle from Land's End to John O'Groats.
After eight days on the road limbs are now starting to feel heavy, but a mix of "willpower, tenacity and stubbornness" should be enough to keep them peddling for three more days.
Led by Major Matt Munro, the Officer Commanding Alpha (Grenadier) Company, the men have swapped their armed vehicles for bicycles in a bid to raise £20,000 for the British Limbless Ex-Service Men and Women's Association (BLESMA).
As the group recently completed a seven-month tour of duty in Afghanistan, the work being carried out by BLESMA is very close to the cyclists' hearts.
The team — comprising Major Munro (37) from Inverness; Captain Chris Baddeley (29), Inverness; Warrant Officer (Class 2) Graham Parker (35) from Stranraer; Sergeant James Rodgers (30), Glasgow; Sergeant Robbie Tollan (32) from Arbroath; Sergeant Martyn Gray (30) from Forfar and Lance Corporal "Wishy" Wishart (23), Forfar — took a break in Perth yesterday.
They took time out from their challenge to visit Balhousie Castle, home to the regimental museum of The Black Watch, and to meet members of the BLESMA care home at Crieff.
Major Munro said, "The team are doing really well. There are lots of sore knees and backsides right about now.
"The scale of the challenge is such that at some point everyone has a bad day and what it boils down to then is willpower, tenacity and just plain stubbornness.
"It has been a challenge, but that was part of the attraction for us, together with the cause."
The team — who are documenting their journey on their blog — have been delighted with the response they've received from the public.
Major Munro said, "We've had sponsorship from a great many people and we've been collecting cash in buckets along the route.
Support
"People have also been stopping us in lay-bys to offer their support and donate, not just to support the guys, but also because they understand that the cause is such a good one."
The team are making their way up to Inverness today, before reaching John O'Groats on Thursday.
Then they face a 100-mile journey back to their base at Fort George, near Inverness.
Their efforts have already raised around £10,000 for BLESMA, which offers a lifetime of support for all servicemen and women who have lost their limbs, or the use of their limbs or eyes while serving in the UK armed forces.
The organisation has a care home in the heart of Perthshire, with the Ancaster BLESMA Home in Crieff providing 24-hour nursing and residential permanent support.
Among those who met the team at Balhousie on Monday was Sergeant Colin Hamilton, who became an amputee in 2001, and is among the many amputees who remains in service.
BLESMA has offered him vital service, helping them with a whole host of practical advice and assistance and ensuring that the amputation hinders him as little as possible.
"Whether you remain in the service or move on they don't forget about you," he said.
"They really are great at what they do. No matter what your disability and no matter what assistance you need, they are there to get involved and help out."
To make a donation, visit www.justgiving.com/matt-munro or send a cheque payable to BLESMA to Major M E Munro, OC A Company, 3 SCOTS, Fort George, Ardersier, Inverness, IV2 7TE.
For more information on BLESMA, visit the website.
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