A retired Bridge of Allan police officer is to take on a 2,500-mile solo charity cycling effort – from Stirling Castle all the way to Morocco – in a bid to raise much-needed funds towards the running of a respite home for sick children.
Johnny Dreczkowski will face his toughest challenge yet when he takes on the trip that will see him cycle through seven different countries as he raises vital cash for the Eilidh Brown Respite Home – a sanctuary for children with life-limiting illnesses and their families.
Johnny 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.
Setting off in May next year, Johnny will cycle through Scotland, England, the Netherlands, Belgium, France – over the Pyrenees mountains, and down through Spain before crossing into Tangiers, Morocco.
From there, his journey will continue along the Atlantic coast to Casablanca, before heading inland to the finish line in Marrakesh, a historic city located just north of the Western Sahara Desert, at the foot of the Atlas Mountains.
The six-week solo trek will see Johnny completely self-sufficient – with no support team, just his bike, his essential gear, and his determination to complete the challenge.
Johnny is taking on this incredible feat to raise money for the home built in memory of local girl Eilidh Brown, who died from a rare germ cell cancer just before her 16th birthday.
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The youngster’s dying wish was that a house be created where families facing the fear and uncertainty of childhood cancer could come together and find peace. After over a decade of fundraising and hard work from Eilidh’s proud family, the respite home finally became a reality in 2023, providing much-needed support for families during their most challenging times.
To continue running, the home requires at least £50,000 annually, and Johnny hopes his solo ride will raise awareness and much-needed funds.
“There are so many worthy causes, but I’m making a special case for the Eilidh Brown Respite Home,” he said.
“It’s a place where families can find respite and love during the hardest times, and it deserves our support.”
Johnny’s wife, Ally Croll, was the architect who designed the respite home and, ever since, Johnny has undertaken fundraising missions.
Eilidh lost her battle on March 25, 2010, nine days before what would have been 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 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. He also completed the West Highland Way, tackled the North Coast 500, the Three Peaks Challenge, the Cateran Yomp 24-hour Challenge, and ran the London Marathon.
Then in May last year, he took on a 1,400-mile solo cycling effort, from Stirling Castle to the Colosseum in Rome in aid of the respite home. This year, Johnny cycled around the entire United Kingdom and Ireland in just seven days. Over the years, his efforts have helped raise more than £100,000 for charity, all thanks to the backing of friends, family, and the local community.
“It’s something we’re [Johnny and Ally] both incredibly proud of,” he added. “The home is a testament to Eilidh’s vision and the incredible generosity of the community.”
To prepare for the challenge, Johnny has been training since June, following a gruelling daily routine of three to four hours in the saddle, which he will continue through the winter months.
An online fundraiser has been set up to collect donations for Johnny’s efforts. To donate, click here.