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Glasgow Times

Glasgow man raises more than £65,000 for UK veterans

Mark Barclay, 60, was inspired to start fundraising after seeing images of injured men and women returning from Iraq and Afghanistan. He said: "I found it really difficult, as did so many other people, to see these brave people coming home, realising that there wasn't the right support in place for them. Read more: Glasgow charity given year of free broadband "I know from talking to veterans that one of the biggest worries for them is how their families will cope." Mark has raised the money through bucket collections, music nights, fun runs, and cycling challenges, and he doesn't plan on giving up there. He has now recruited family members and friends to join him in Help for Heroes Big Battlefield Bike Ride, a 200-mile cycling challenge which takes place over four days. Mark's team, The Flying Scotsmen, now includes his two sons-in-law, two friends from the Glasgow area, and a friend who is flying in all the way from New York. Donations to the group can be made via their online fundraising page at This year, the cycling challenge will also commemorate the 80th anniversary of VE Day. The ride will follow in the footsteps of the Allied Forces, leading riders to the German city of Rheine, with a dedicated historian pointing out historical sites along the way. Mark said: "This will be my sixth cycling challenge for the charity – and I love listening to the stories of the veterans who take part, it's really humbling. "I know everyone on my team is motivated to make sure our veterans get the help they need, and I'm so grateful that they're supporting a cause that's really dear to my heart. "Raising funds to support our military veterans and their families is our way of making a meaningful contribution to some of their current and future needs. 'I think this year, the link to commemorating VE Day 80 will be on everyone's minds, as we think about those people who sacrificed so much for our freedom. Read more: 'A beautiful interaction': Glasgow Lush manager shares favourite customer moment "I know, for many veterans, the challenges didn't end in 1945 – just as they don't for those who have served more recently. "If anyone ever needed a reason as to why we must remember this momentous historical occasion, they only need to look at what's happening in Ukraine to better understand the value of our armed forces and those who serve in them." The Big Battlefield Bike Ride starts at Wellington Barracks on June 17. The ride offers participants an opportunity to reflect on the sacrifices of the past, and to support those who continue to live with the impacts of military service.