60 people raise cash for Erskine Hospital

Jul 9 2012 by Chris Clements, Paisley Daily Express

SOS Fitness team

A 60-STRONG team of fitness fanatics went on the run to raise thousands of pounds for a Renfrewshire charity.

Instructors from SOS Fitness ran a mix of three-hour-long circuits across three locations in Helensburgh, Loch Lomond, finishing up at the Erskine home for ex-servicemen and women.

The gruelling event was organised by SOS member Elaine Crichton, whose father was diagnosed with dementia and was supported by Erskine.

Elaine, 33, wanted to raise funds for the charity which has helped to look after her dad for the past five years, to thank them for their exceptional work.

She lost nearly three stones in weight ahead of the challenge, where she was joined by her friends and instructors from SOS.

And all the hard work was certainly worth it, with a total of £2,000 being raised.

Elaine said: “I should have known better really but I thought I would have a job convincing them to sign up.

“However, it could not have been more different as the instructors immediately agreed to help.

“When I suggested doing circuits in different locations, the team stepped up straight away and, before we knew it, over 60 people had signed up to take part.”

Erskine has been looking after veterans for almost 100 years and is the leading care organisation for ex-servicemen and women in Scotland.

Fundraising is vital to the charity’s continued success.

Alan Ross, community fundraiser at Erskine, said: “We were delighted with the success of the SOS Fitness event, where the atmosphere was terrific.

“Many younger veterans need help finding a job, recovering from an injury or post-traumatic stress disorder. Our supported transition project works with veterans as young as 19 years old and we aim to provide them with counselling, work experience and support towards making the transition from the services to civilian life.

“Strong links with the community and events such as the SOS charity day helps us to do this and raises awareness that Erskine can support any ex-service personnel when they need it most.”

Steve Losh, SOS fitness director, said: “The hospital staff do a fantastic job in providing care for ex-service personnel and their families and make a real difference to so many lives.”

For more information about SOS Fitness, visit www.sosfitness.co.uk