Military husband and wife go head-to-head in 24-hour charity bike ride
“Knowing that Scotty’s is there should the worst happen is comforting”
Military husband and wife, Josh and Linzi Williamson, from Thirsk in North Yorkshire, are set to battle it out on the bike this week as they take on a 24-hour charity bike ride to help raise money for bereaved Armed Forces children’s charity, Scotty’s Little Soldiers.
Josh, who currently serves in the 4th Regiment Royal Artillery and is an avid supporter of Scotty’s, will not only be taking on his wife, but also staff and residents at the Hambleton Grange Care Home in Thirsk.
Linzi, the care home events manager, alongside residents and staff, will work together initially to ramp up the miles for Josh to then complete on his own, within the 24-hour period.
Linzi said:
“The residents and staff at Hambleton Grange have been such good sports. Many of our residents have either served in the Armed Forces or have family members currently serving, so it didn’t take much persuading to get involved. They all want to help support Josh in smashing his target and in raising as money as possible for such a worthy cause.”
The challenge will take place on Wednesday 24th March and all money raised will help support children and young people who have experienced the death of a parent in the British Armed Forces.
Josh and Linzi, who are parents to four young children, understand the importance of charities like Scotty’s Little Soldiers and the role it plays within the military community.
Linzi explains:
“With Josh serving in the Army I know what it’s like to be a military wife and to live within the military community. Scotty’s Little Soldiers is a charity I know Josh is very passionate about. For both him and I, knowing that Scotty’s is there should the worst happen is comforting to us both.”
Scotty’s Little Soldiers, which was set up in 2010 by war widow Nikki Scott, offers integral support to children and young people who have experienced the death of a parent who served in the Armed Forces.
Nikki saw the devastating impact the death of her husband, Corporal Lee Scott, in 2009 had on their two young children and wanted to help others in the same situation.
The charity does lots of things to support its members, including providing access to the very best emotional health and wellbeing care, offering outstanding development opportunities through a range of activity and educational grants, and Scotty’s helps put smiles back on those brave faces by organising events, providing respite breaks, posting them birthday and Christmas presents and remembering the anniversary of their parent’s death.
Over the last year, the charity has had to adapt to the current climate and has been using modern technology to arrange exciting virtual events and activities to engage with its members, ensuring them that in uncertain times such as these they are not alone.
They’ve also been providing a high volume of wellbeing support to families who are suffering from enhanced anxiety and other problems due to the current health crisis.
Nikki said:
“I love hearing about members of the Armed Forces and families within the military community getting involved in fundraising for Scotty’s and I can’t thank Josh, Linzi and everyone at Hambleton Grange enough for their support. Every penny raised will go a long way in helping us continue to deliver a high level of support to children and young people all over the country who have experienced the death of a parent in the Armed Forces. We couldn’t do what we do without people like Josh and Linzi, so thank you.”
