A veteran who has been selected to take part in the upcoming Invictus Games is raising funds for one of Renfrewshire’s best-known charities.
David Jarvis, who served in the military as a staff sergeant for 21 years, will participate in the Etape Loch Ness cycling event in aid of veterans' charity Erskine.
The 40-year-old has participated in a number of fundraising efforts in recent years, including cycling 100km per day throughout June 2020, totalling over 3,000km, as part of a wider team that collectively managed to raise £100K for the Royal Signals Charity.
This year, David wanted to take things a step further by going the extra mile, having been to the Erskine Home in Edinburgh during his own recovery and resettlement.
He said: "Erskine's veterans charity has been providing invaluable support to the veteran community in Scotland for many years. As a former soldier, I know how important it is to have that support network, and I want to do my part to ensure that the charity can continue to provide this support.
"I am grateful for the opportunity to give back to the veteran community. I hope to raise awareness and funds for the charity, and I look forward to completing the Etape Loch Ness cycling event."
The Etape Loch Ness is a cycle event around iconic Loch Ness offering the chance to cycle 66 miles on a 360° closed-road route around the loch, offering 900m of ascent.
The King of the Mountain stage is a 4.8-mile climb gaining 380m in height with a gradient reaching 12%.
The Invictus Games 2023 have given him another goal to aim for and he is excited to represent the country in the upcoming event.
David added: "I am thrilled to be representing the UK in the Invictus Games. I’m so proud to have been chosen.
"Cycling is my main target but I'm also going to try and have a go at indoor rowing and swimming."
Ian Cumming MBE, Erskine's chief executive, said: "We were delighted to hear of David's selection for the upcoming Invictus Games.
"It is a just reward for the work that he puts in and the cycling talent that he displays.
"We are honoured that he has chosen Erskine for his fundraising exploits and look forward to supporting him throughout the year."
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