A former police officer is set to take on a gruelling charity cycle from Stirling Castle all the way to the Colosseum in Rome in aid of the respite home built in memory of tragic teen Eilidh Brown.
Johnny Dreczkowski, from Bridge of Allan, will cycle more than 1,400 miles in May as he bids to complete the enormous challenge.
The 54-year-old previously worked as a Detective Inspector with the Head of Counter Terrorism and Covert Specialist Training at Police Scotland following almost 30 years police service.
Now, with more free time on his hands, he will take on the challenge, with all funds raised being donated directly to the Eilidh Brown Respite Home.
Johnny is no stranger to charity efforts. In May 2021, he cycled 875 miles from Land’s End to John O’Groats in support of the Eilidh Brown Memorial Fund.
His wife, Ally Croll, was the architect who designed the respite home and ever since Johnny has undertaken fundraising missions.
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Stirling girl Eilidh lost her fight for life on March 25, 2010, nine days before her 16th birthday. While battling a rare cancer, Eilidh and her family, from St Ninians, had spent quality time at respite home Calum’s Cabin on the Isle of Bute.
Johnny is now in training for the trip which will begin on May 28. He will leave Stirling Castle esplanade and pedal all the way to the historic amphitheatre for the challenge, which he has titled ‘The Rock to Rome’.
The entire trip will be made solo and unsupported.
The route will see him travel through Scotland and England, across central Europe through the Netherlands, Germany, Austria, south through the Austrian Alps, over the Brenner Pass into the Dolomite Mountains of northeast Italy, down onto the Adriatic Coast and Venice, before crossing southwest, up and over the formidable Apennine Mountain range to his final destination.
Ahead of the colossal trip, Johnny said: “Having previously completed the London Marathon, the Highland Warrior Half Ironman, the North Coast 500, Lands End To John O’Groats, The Cateran 57 Mile Yomp, The West Highland Way and The National Three Peaks 24 Hour Challenge, I can safely say this challenge dwarfs all my previous efforts by some way, but it’s one I’m up for and have been training for throughout the winter.
“This challenge will be tougher than all my previous efforts put together, end to end, but I’m hoping that by attempting such an utterly ridiculous challenge I might inspire and motivate the business community, local people and groups, to get behind me and The Rock To Rome charity cycle in aid of the Eilidh Brown Respite Home.
“I am seeking sponsorship from everyone in the community, individuals, businesses, large and small, and any other entity that has a funding stream.
“As always, every penny raised goes directly to the Eilidh Brown Respite Home through my Just Giving Page. I am covering all my costs from my own pocket.”
Detailing how he dreamt up the idea, Johnny joked: “Well, like a lot of really good ideas, this particular idea was born over a perfect pint of Guinness last summer, in The Rising Sun pub in Bridge of Allan, and I’d like to thank my friends Stuart and Susan Wilson of Bridge of Allan for their valuable input on that one! And, of course, my other ‘friends’ for failing to talk me out of it.
“Seriously though, I’ll be 55 years old by the time I attempt this, and it’ll be tough, for sure, but I’m inspired and touched by Eilidh’s story, and knowing that the people I love are behind me is all I really need.”
Eilidh's dad, Gordon, said: "We're blown away by Johnny's latest fundraiser. This is a monumental task and we as a family thank him, not only for this but for his his constant support for many years now. He’s our superstar."
So far, the impending effort has raised more than £3,500, with a target of hitting the £20,000 mark.
To donate to Johnny’s effort, click here.
