VETERANS at Erskine are getting behind a 500-mile cycle challenge organised in aid of the charity as a tribute to brave soldier Jimmy Wilson.

Jimmy, from Twechar near Cumbernauld, won a British Empire Medal for his conduct on an operational tour in Northern Ireland. After his armoured car was blown up and his troop came under a hail of bullets, Jimmy took charge and led the troop safely back to their base.

Following a diagnosis of Parkinson’s Disease, Jimmy was cared for by Erskine, and his old friend and colleague Brigadier Simon Allen, a Veteran Royal Scots Dragoon Guard, has organised ‘Jimmy’s Ride for Erskine’ to raise money for the charity.

A core team of eight riders is inviting fellow fundraisers to join in the £12,000 challenge, which starts on September 7.

Simon said: “We owe Erskine a massive debt and we do this in memory of Jimmy and his fellow NCOs who made our regiment what it is today – second to none. You can also donate to the cause if you are not a cyclist.”

To donate, visit everydayhero.com