An army veteran from Bishopton is calling on people to volunteer at a special event raising vital funds for a cause close to his heart.
Billy Haynes is asking supporters of Erskine's veterans charity to help out at the Ideal Home Show, which is taking place later this month.
The 71-year-old lives at The Erskine Home following a military career that included two stints in Northern Ireland.
After leaving the army, Billy returned to Scotland but unfortunately suffered from slipped discs, which he still lives with today.
The injury required him to move into sheltered housing and be confined to a wheelchair.
Billy was able to move to The Erskine Home in March 2020 and begin working with the physiotherapy team.
He is now back on his feet walking short distances and proved how far he has come by walking to lay a wreath on behalf of the Erskine veterans' charity at the Remembrance Day service at The Erskine Home last year.
Billy said: "The care that Erskine provides really is life changing, and I am testament to that. However, without help from our fundraisers none of this care would be possible.
"We really need our supporters to come out in force and volunteer to help the charity fundraise at the upcoming Ideal Home Show.
"It is one of the major events in the calendar and raises a lot of money which will help provide care for myself and my fellow veterans. Every little helps and your help will go a long way for us all."
The Ideal Home Show will take place at the SEC, in Glasgow, from Friday, May 26 to Monday, May 29.
It has previously attracted thousands of attendees from across the country and provides a unique opportunity for Erskine veterans' charity to raise awareness and funds.
Billy will be joined by 101-year-old Erskine resident Sandy Cormack, a former Royal Marine, who will officially open the event.
The charity has a range of activities planned across the weekend, including bucket collections, the chance to sign up to the Erskine Lottery, branded merchandise, a plant market and a number of art and pottery workshops.
As Scotland’s foremost provider of care for veterans and their spouses, Erskine provides unrivalled nursing, residential and dementia care in three homes throughout Scotland.
To volunteer, send an email to events@erskine.org.uk or call 0141 814 4555.
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