Latest news with #EilidhBrownRespiteHome
Daily Record
6 days ago
- Daily Record
Retired detective who took on 2,500-mile cycle to Africa for charity awarded MBE in King's Birthday Honours List
Retired Bridge of Allan detective Johnny Dreczkowski has been awarded an MBE for his services to a local charity and respite home in the King's Birthday Honours List. A retired police detective who has taken on multiple gruelling charity efforts was celebrating this week after receiving an MBE in the King's Birthday Honours List. Johnny Dreczkowski was named as a recipient of the prestigious award for his services to a local charity. Earlier this month, Johnny, 57, completed a 2,500-mile charity cycle from iconic Stirling Castle to Morocco in aid of the Eilidh Brown respite home. The respite home is run by the Eilidh Brown Memorial Fund – set up by the family of the tragic Stirling schoolgirl. Eilidh sadly lost her battle with a rare germ cell cancer on March 25, 2010, just nine days shy of her 16th birthday. Her dying wish was to have a respite created close to her home in Stirling. That became a reality back in 2023, when her family oversaw the opening of the respite home in Thornhill. Johnny – a former Detective Inspector who served as the Head of Counter Terrorism and Covert Specialist Training – has undertaken several huge efforts to raise much need fund for the charity. Prior to his cycle to Morocco, Johnny, from Bridge of Allan, he embarked on a bike ride stretching 875-miles – from Land's End to John O'Groats – i n May 2021, His impressive record doesn't stop there, he has also conquered the West Highland Way, the demanding North Coast 500, took on the Three Peaks Challenge, persevered through the Cateran Yomp 24-hour Challenge, and completed the London Marathon. In May 2023, he undertook a solo cycling expedition covering 1,400-miles, from Stirling Castle to the Colosseum in Rome, with the aim of raising funds for the respite home. Just last year, he impressively cycled around the entirety of the UK and Ireland in a mere seven days. Johnny's close ties to the home don't end there though. His wife, the architect Ally Croll, was instrumental in making the home a reality as she worked hand-in-hand with Eilidh's family. On receiving the MBE, Johnny said: 'I am truly grateful and humbled to have been awarded the prestigious MBE by His Majesty The King in his Birthday Honours List, and very thankful to those who nominated me. 'Although I'm the recipient, every single person, family, friend, sponsor, and well-wisher who has supported me and the Eilidh Brown Respite Home over the years, has a hand in this success, and I'm sharing it with each of them.' He added: 'I'm just floored and overwhelmed by their love and support and I feel it in my heart. To work with them, as we try and make a difference in the lives of children with cancer at Eilidh's is the privilege of my life, and I'm grateful to Gordon, Nicole (Eilidh's parents) and the family, to be able to help. 'I'd like thank my darling wife Ally, who's stalwart support of my endurance challenges and fundraising is nothing short of remarkable, and none of what I have achieved could have been done without that unstinting love and support. 'To my mother Margaret and my late father Mitch, I am the sum of my upbringing, and I owe my values, my work ethic, my concern for others and sense of community to you both. 'To my daughters Emma and Zoe, a father can only strive to make his daughter's and family proud, thank you for your love and support.' As part of Johnny's most recent charity effort, he set off from Stirling Castle at the start of May and undertook a solo and unsupported cycle through seven countries, across two continents, spanning three different time zones – all within a mere 34 days, reaching the finish line in Marrakesh. That has so far netted more than £30,000 for the home, with the finally sum yet to be tallied. In her valiant fight against this illness, Eilidh and her family, who are from St Ninians, Stirling, cherished their time together at Calum's Cabin, a respite retreat on the Isle of Bute. It was that experience that left Elidih hoping for a respite centre much closer to home. The Eilidh Brown Respite Home requires a whopping £50,000 per year to operate and Johnny's efforts have all been with that in mind. When Johnny reached Marrakesh earlier this month, Eilidh's proud dad, Gordon, said: 'Johnny has been an amazing, constant support since the very start. It astounds us as a family the lengths he goes too support us – he is a machine and we are so very proud of him and full of love.' Over the years, Johnny's relentless efforts have helped raise more than £100,000 for charity, thanks to the steadfast support of friends, family, and the local community.
Daily Record
12-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Daily Record
Music festival to boost retired Scots police officer's 2,500-mile charity cycle to Africa in memory of schoolgirl
The 'Rock to Morocco Music Festival' will be held this weekend, with all proceeds raised to be added to the sum already raised for the Eilidh Brown Respite Home. A quaint music festival is set to take place in Bridge of Allan this weekend to celebrate the return of a retired anti-terrorism detective who completed a gruelling 2,500-mile charity cycle ride from Stirling Castle to Morocco in honour of a tragic Stirling schoolgirl. The event is scheduled for Saturday, with all proceeds being added to the funds already raised for the Eilidh Brown Respite Home, located in Thornhill. Johnny Dreczkowski, a former Detective Inspector who served as the Head of Counter Terrorism and Covert Specialist Training, reached his destination in Marrakesh last week after navigating some of Europe and Africa's most demanding landscapes. Johnny embarked on this monumental journey to raise vital funds for the respite home established in memory of the teenager. Departing from the historic Stirling Castle at the start of May, Johnny undertook a solo and unsupported cycle through seven countries, across two continents, spanning three different time zones – all within a mere 34 days, raising an impressive £30,000. However, he's not stopping there - he hopes to generate additional funds through Saturday's event. Johnny, from Bridge of Allan, has embarked on several marathon endeavours to fundraise for the home. The respite centre, situated amid the serene Stirlingshire countryside, means a great deal to Johnny as his wife, Ally Croll, who was the architect who worked closely with Eilidh's loved ones to make the respite home a reality. Eilidh sadly lost her battle with a rare germ cell cancer on March 25, 2010, just nine days shy of her 16th birthday. In her valiant fight against this illness, Eilidh and her family, who are from St Ninians, cherished their time together at Calum's Cabin, a respite retreat on the Isle of Bute. One of Eilidh's final wishes was to see a sanctuary built nearer to home, offering a peaceful escape for families faced with the harrowing reality of childhood cancer. Thanks to over a decade of fundraising and commitment from her family, the long-awaited respite home became a beacon of hope in 2023, offering much-needed support to families in their time of need. However, maintaining the home's operations requires at least £50,000 per year. Johnny is optimistic that his solo cycling challenge will not only boost awareness but also make a substantial contribution towards meeting this financial target. Johnny previosuly told how he felt inspired to support the cause because the centre "provides much-needed support and a safe haven for families dealing with the unimaginable". He said: "They offer a space of comfort and care, and I want to help ensure that with annual costs of around £50,000, they can continue their unbelievable work. "But I can't do it alone – I need your help! By sponsoring my ride, you'll be directly supporting the Eilidh Brown Respite Home and the incredible families they assist. "Every mile I ride will be powered by your generosity and our belief in this cause. "Your kindness and teamwork built this, let's keep it going, help me please." Upon Johnny crossing the finish line earlier this month, Eilidh's father, Gordon remarked: "Johnny has been an amazing, constant support since the very start. It astounds us as a family the lengths he goes too support us - he is a machine and we are so very proud of him and full of love." The 'Rock to Morocco Music Festival' aims to celebrate Johnny's dedication while also raising additional funds. Happening at The Meadowpark Kitchen and Bar on Saturday, June 14, tickets for a night of music and community spirit can be purchased on Eventbrite for £20. Deeply linked with the efforts of the respite home, Johnny isn't new to large-scale fundraising efforts. In May 2021, he embarked on a bike ride stretching 875-miles - from Land's End to John O'Groats - for the Eilidh Brown Memorial Fund. His impressive record doesn't stop there, he has also conquered the West Highland Way, the demanding North Coast 500, took on the Three Peaks Challenge, persevered through the Cateran Yomp 24-hour Challenge, and completed the London Marathon. In May 2023, he undertook a solo cycling expedition covering 1,400-miles, from Stirling Castle to the Colosseum in Rome, with the aim of raising funds for a respite home. Just last year, he impressively cycled around the entirety of the UK and Ireland in a mere seven days. Over the years, his relentless efforts have helped raise more than £100,000 for charity, thanks to the steadfast support of friends, family, and the local community. To contribute towards Johnny's 'Rock to Morocco', click here.
Scotsman
02-05-2025
- Sport
- Scotsman
Retired Bridge of Allan policeman to pedal 2,500 miles in aid of children's charity
Johnny Dreczkowski, an extreme athlete and 'serial fundraiser', is making the two-wheel journey from Stirling Castle to Marrakech this summer in aid of the Eilidh Brown Respite Home, a countryside haven in Stirling where children with cancer and their families can take a much-needed break. The route will see Johnny travel through seven countries in just six weeks, navigating his way from Scotland to England, through the Netherlands, Belgium, France, across the Pyrenees mountains at the Col Du Portelait mountain pass and down into Spain, through Zaragoza and Madrid, before crossing to Tangiers in Morocco. From there he will pedal south to Casablanca, then on towards the Atlas Mountains, hopefully arriving at the Koutoubia mosque, in Marrakesh, around the middle of June. Mr Dreczkowski will even celebrate his 57th birthday on 15th May whilst cycling through the Bergerac region of France. The Meadowpark in Bridge and Allan and award-winning Scottish craft brewery, Cold Town Beer, are sponsoring Mr Dreczkowski on his latest charity cycle ride and his cycling kit. Both businesses have collaborated with and supported him on previous fundraisers in recent years. Commenting on 'The Rock To Morocco' fundraising journey, Mr Dreczkowski said: 'Every mile I ride will be powered by people's generosity and our joint belief in supporting this amazing local charity that helps children with cancer and their families. 'The Eilidh Brown Respite Home provides much-needed support and a safe haven for families dealing with the unimaginable. They offer a space of comfort and care, and I want to help ensure that, with annual costs of around £50,000, they can continue their unbelievable work. 'People can sponsor my ride to directly support the Eilidh Brown Respite Home and the incredible families they assist.' The custom-built respite home, which opened in 2023, was set up by the parents of local girl Eilidh Brown, who tragically died from a rare germ cell cancer just days before her 16th birthday in 2010. It was one of her dying wishes to create such a sanctuary, a place where youngsters and their loved ones could be together and enjoy some peace and tranquillity. Mr Dreczkowski has been raising funds for the Eilidh Brown Memorial Fund, the charity behind the house, for the past 10 years. His wife, Ally Croll, is the architect who designed the bespoke building. He has already single-handedly raised more than £100,000 over that time, helping to bring the project to fruition. The former policeman hopes his latest endeavour will raise awareness and help cover the running costs of the home, which amount to at least £50,000 a year. More than £14,000 has already been pledged, smashing the original £10,000 target. Now he's hoping to bring in as much as £20,000 or more. In preparation for the journey, he has been training for up to eight hours a day, including cycling, weights, yoga and other exercise, to make sure he is 'battle-hardened' enough for the trip. When he returns to Scotland later in the summer, there is a further fundraising event planned at The Meadowpark Bar and Kitchen on Kenilworth Road in Bridge of Allan on Saturday 14th June. The full-day music festival 'The Rock to Morrocco' will be staged from 12pm to 10pm. The event is also being supported by Cold Town Beer and John Pryde Music, with all proceeds going to the Eilidh Brown Respite Home. Euan Bain from The Meadowpark and Cold Town Beer has welcomed Mr Dreczkowski's latest endeavour and wished him well on his journey. He said: 'We have an ongoing relationship with Johnny and are delighted to support his latest fundraising campaign. The journey will be a tough one, covering 2,500 miles in all sorts of terrain and weather, but he has put in an enormous amount of training and preparation for this epic ride. 'The Eilidh Brown Memorial Fund is a local charity close to all of our hearts and we are glad to be able to help support their wonderful respite home, which provides much-needed breaks for children and families facing tough journeys of their own.' Johnny Dreczkowski is covering all of his own expenses on the journey, with every penny of donations going to the Eilidh Brown Respite Home. People can sponsor him via his JustGiving page The Rock to Morocco Music Festival will take place at The Meadowpark Bar and Kitchen Summer Marquee, 56 Kenilworth Road, Bridge of Allan, on Saturday 14th June. Get ready for a day filled with amazing live music, the best DJ's, great cocktails, delicious food, and summer vibes with all proceeds in aid of The Eilidh Brown Respite Home. Tickets are available at Eventbrite, priced at £20 per person. For more information on the Eilidh Brown Memorial Fund, go to The Meadowpark is part of the Edinburgh-based Signature Group, a leading Scottish hospitality company made up of more than 20 bars, restaurants, hotels and a brewery. About Johnny Dreczkowski Known as JD, the 56-year-old was Head of Counter Terrorism and Covert Specialist Training at Police Scotland until he retired three years ago. He has been raising cash for good causes for the past 26 years, with other recipients including the Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) at Stirling Royal Infirmary, Sports Leader's UK, Help The Heroes (Cateran Yomp and Tough Mudder) and Strathcarron Hospice. He is no stranger to tests of endurance, having undertaken numerous challenges over the past few years, covering thousands of miles on foot, running and walking, by bike and even swimming. He has walked the West Highland Way three times, run the London Marathon, competed in a Half Iron Man contest and completed the National Three Peaks Challenge, scaling the UK's highest summits in 24 hours. Cycling challenges include pedalling the North Coast 500 route; from Land's End to John o' Groats; all round the UK and Ireland; and last year, also for the Eilidh Brown House, a 1,400-mile solo trip from Stirling Castle to the Colosseum in Rome. 1 . Contributed Retired policeman and extreme athlete Johnny Dreczkowski is cycling from Stirling Castle to Marrakech this summer in aid of the Eilidh Brown Respite Home, a countryside haven in Stirling where children with cancer and their families can take a much-needed break Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 2 . Contributed The extreme athlete has also pedalled from Land's End to John O' Groats for the Eilidh Brown charity Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 3 . Contributed Mr Dreczkowski is no stranger to tests of endurance, having undertaken numerous challenges over the past few years, covering thousands of miles on foot, running and walking, by bike and even swimming Photo: Submitted Photo Sales 4 . Contributed The 56-year-old, former Head of Counter Terrorism and Covert Specialist, has been raising cash for good causes for the past 26 years - last year he completed a 1,400-mile solo trip from Stirling Castle to the Colosseum in Rome, also for the Eilidh Brown Respite Home Photo: Submitted Photo Sales Related topics: Scotland
