Sir Chris Hoy backs brothers cycle challenge to raise funds for SCAA
Olympic champion Sir Chris Hoy was among the first to wish Tayside medic John Salmond well on his forthcoming marathon cycle to London as he and his brother bid to raise funds for Scotland’s Charity Air Ambulance (SCAA).
Arbroath brothers John and George will set off this Sunday (July 30) on a gruelling five-day cycle from SCAA’s Perth base to the heart of the UK capital.
And John, a Scottish Ambulance Service Advanced Paramedic for Primary and Urgent Care based at Dundee, said the good luck Twitter message from Scotland’s legendary cyclist would spur him on as he attempts his first two-wheel challenge.
“There’s no backing out now,” joked John. “I’m thrilled to have Sir Chris’s support so it’s time to pull up my big lycra pants and meet this challenge head on.”
George set the challenge when John turned 50 earlier this year and the paramedic had no hesitation in nominating SCAA, where he was a member of the aircrew for three years, as his chosen charity.
“SCAA turned 10 as I turned 50 so it is a double milestone occasion and there is no other charity I would rather support than these amazing life-saving crews,” he said. “My three years serving with SCAA as an Aircrew Paramedic were both an honour and a privilege and it helped me develop enormously as a medic and as a person. The work they do is just astonishing and the people who raise funds to sustain the service are an inspiration.
“I often get emotional speaking about my time with SCAA because of the life-affirming experiences I had and now I want to give something back. I’m still a reservist with the charity and do the odd shift and I have the greatest respect for everyone there.”
The brothers face a 515 mile cycle, aiming to complete around 90-110 miles each day. And they’ve embraced their shared love of cricket to agree on Lords cricket ground as the final stop on August 4.
George, head teacher at George Watson’s junior school in Edinburgh and now living in North Berwick, is a former Captain of Scotland’s international cricket team, qualifying for both the 1998 Commonwealth Games and the 1999 World Cup. John tackles the sport at a more local level, being a stalwart of Arbroath United Cricket Club. John admits cycling, however, is a different discipline altogether.
“I took it up as a less punishing form of exercise for the over-50s than running,” he said, “but I’ve a feeling my body will feel pretty punished by the time we reach London. Probably aching legs and saddle sores will be the biggest issues but we’re taking every possible precaution and aim to look after ourselves.”
John has set up a JustGiving fundraiser and those who want to support their challenge can do so by clicking here.
“I’ve been so humbled and appreciative of those who have donated already,” said John. “Friends, family and colleagues – as well as those who just want to support our cause – are signing up to help us raise funds for SCAA and help keep this vital service in the air and flying for those who need it most.”
Paramedic John Salmond (right) with brother George at SCAA's Perth base.