Bugles and the Lee Rigby Foundation

Our Mascot, Bugle the Assaye Elephant welcomed some visitors to the Museum yesterday – as they had something of an action-packed journey from Manchester, they seemed delighted to have actually reached 518 Sauchiehall Street!

Michael (Mick) Purvis and his girlfriend, Val Burgess, are visiting the military museums in Scotland by motor cycle to raise money for the Lee Rigby Foundation. Val is from Middleton in the greater Manchester area, which was the home town of Drummer Lee Rigby of The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers, who was cruelly murdered on 22 May 2013.

The Lee Rigby Foundation was established by Lee’s parents in his memory – their aim is to support persons suffered from bereavement or loss by providing places of safety and support in two houses owned by the charity.

Mick and Val have an ambitious itinerary: 1,000 mile motor cycle trip around the Scottish military museums – the RHF Museum are honoured to be the first museum of “Mick & Val’s Charity Ride Out”. Sadly, the venture did not begin well, as Val, riding a Yamaha 125, does not yet have a full driving licence, necessitating travelling on non-motorway roads! High winds and heavy rain conspired to delay their arrival at our Museum – hopefully, the rest of their journey will go more smoothly, as they are due to make an appearance at the Parade of Colours in Coldstream on Saturday 17 June.

Mick was a boy soldier with The King’s Own Scottish Borderers at the Bridge of Don and has never forgotten his experience.

Mick and Val hope to raise £500 on their Ride Out and are already well on their way to exceeding their target.

Bugle and the staff at the RHF wish Mick & Val Godspeed on their journey!

You can follow Bugle’s adventures on our website facebook and our instagram.