Veteran Takes on Epic Challenge for Veterans in the North

A Veteran who served with the 1st Battalion Queen’s Own Highlanders is taking on an epic challenge for Scotland’s leading veterans charity, Erskine.

In late August, Gordon Thornton (54), from Forres, will make the gruelling six-week journey from Forres to Greece on a motorcycle, a Yamaha Tenere 700 World Raid, with nothing more than what a serving soldier would carry: a tent, stove, clothes and a few tools.

Gordon served for eight years before becoming a paramedic with the Scottish Ambulance Service in 2009.

During his time as a paramedic, Gordon has attended veterans who worked at Bletchley Park, members of the Women’s Land Army, veterans of the Italian Campaign, those involved in more recent conflicts, and currently serving members of the Armed Forces. This has made him all the more determined to succeed in his challenge for the veterans supported by Erskine.

The round trip from Forres to Greece, via France, Switzerland, Italy, Slovenia, Croatia, Montenegro and Albania, will cover 7,000 miles on all types of roads, from tracks to tarmac, including some WWI and WWII military roads. However, the biggest adversaries will be the extremely rural parts of the journey, the weather and keeping to the timetable.

Gordon said: “I am looking forward to the adventure and the epic scenery. However, it does remind me of times when I served in the military, particularly the thought of leaving family behind for a long period of time. Serving military personnel face two battles, leaving family behind whilst working in conflict areas.

“I am supporting Erskine, in particular their new Activity Centre in Forres, EVAC North, as I think it is an exceptional charity in supporting veterans. During my time in the military, I lost friends and colleagues in conflicts and to suicide, and many are now suffering from chronic medical and mental health conditions.

“Since leaving the military, I was very fortunate in my transition to civilian life. I was given an opportunity by Gleaner Oils to work with them as a tanker driver. They provided me with job security and excellent working conditions, and I was employed there for almost thirteen years before re-training to become a paramedic with the Scottish Ambulance Service.

“During my time with the Scottish Ambulance Service, I have attended many veterans who could benefit from the support of EVAC North, as they would have access to essential resources, peer support and tailored wellbeing programmes. They would also have the opportunity to learn new skills and find renewed purpose in their lives after service.”

Gordon added: “I would like to give a special thanks to my managers at the Scottish Ambulance Service for supporting me and allowing the time off to complete this challenge, and to Yamaha Motor Europe for their support in providing a care package of consumable items for my motorbike.”

Michael Parkes, Erskine’s Fundraising and Development Manager (North), said, “Thank you so much to Gordon for taking on the European adventure for his fellow veterans.  Gordon has shown incredible determination over the past few months as he prepares for his challenge.  We are so grateful to him and everyone that has supported his efforts so far.  The vital funds raised by Gordon will help Erskine to continue to provide life-changing and life-saving support to hundreds of veterans across North Scotland at our Veterans Activity Centre in Forres.”

Gordon will be posting regular updates on his Facebook page, ‘A Veteran’s European Adventure’. Any donations will be gratefully received through his JustGiving account, https://www.justgiving.com/page/gordon-thornton-1