A Police Scotland support staff member has raised over £3,000 for a military charity following a gruelling cycle challenge across Europe.
Martin Burnett, who works on the security desk at Fettes Police Station in Edinburgh, and his long-time friend Willie Malloy, embarked on an epic 1,500-mile journey from Rome to Gilmerton over the summer to raise funds for Erskine.
The organisation provides support for veterans and is a cause close to the pair’s heart, as both served in the 1st Battallion, The Royal Scots Regiment over 30-years-ago.
Martin and Willie’s Rome to Home journey set off from the Coliseum on 1st August before cycling at least 70-miles a day through challenging terrains in the Austrian Alps, Germany, the Netherlands and England.
As a result of the duo’s efforts, they raised an impressive 3,357.29, with an additional £100 being donated on the day they presented the cheque to Erskine.
Martin, who has now returned to his Security Officer role, said: “We are so grateful to everyone who donated during this challenge and I know the money will be put to good use and help people who are really deserving, having served their country with distinction and bravery.
“As we made our way through some really difficult routes, we would occasionally get updates on how much money had been raised and that was a brilliant motivator to keep us going.
“It was a fantastic feeling when we reached Erskine’s base in Gilmerton and there were so many of our friends and family there to cheer us on for the last leg of the journey.
“Willie and I are now enjoying a well-earned break from long-distance cycling but we’d both be up for taking on new challenges if the opportunity presents itself.”
John graduated from Telford College in 2010 with an HNC in Practical Journalism and since then he worked for the North Edinburgh News, The Southern Reporter, the Irish News Review and The Edinburgh Reporter. In addition he has been published in the Edinburgh Evening News and the Hibernian FC Programme.
