Escape from Alcatraz

Added on Tuesday 3 Jul 2012

The Erskine home for war veterans wants to say "a massive thankyou" to West End man Chris Sharkey for "escaping from Alcatraz" to raise vital funds for the organisation.

He has already raised £3,000 from a triathlon stunt at the notorious island prison, with sponsorship money still coming in.

The challenge is a 1.5 mile swim from Alcatraz Island itself, after which competitors cycle for 18 miles and run for eight miles - and Chris trained for the event by swimming in Loch Lomond.

The challenge attracts top competitors from around the world and is reckoned a highly competitive field of athletes.

Erskine fundraiser, Alan Moss, said "Well done and thank you to Chris for raising such an outstanding amount for our brave veterans.

"This is a daunting task and not for the faint hearted, we're delighted Chris is taking on such a difficult and exciting challenge for Erskine.

"I'd also like thank everyone who has sponsored Chris to support his challenge". Chris said he'd taken part primarily to help Alzheimer's sufferers, "a cause I feel strongly about".

For more on his effort see Chris' justgiving page