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Daily Record
16-06-2025
- 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.
Daily Record
04-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Record
Former detective to complete epic 2,500 mile charity cycle across Europe and Africa in memory of schoolgirl
Johnny Dreczkowski, a retired Detective Inspector who worked with the Head of Counter Terrorism and Covert Specialist Training, is set to arrive in the Moroccan city of Marrakesh tomorrow (Thursday) after tackling some of Europe and Africa's toughest terrain. A retired anti-terrorism detective is nearing the end of a gruelling 2,500-mile charity cycle ride to Morocco in memory of a tragic Scottish schoolgirl. Johnny Dreczkowski, a former Detective Inspector who worked alongside the Head of Counter Terrorism and Covert Specialist Training, is due to reach Marrakesh tomorrow (Thursday), having traversed some of Europe and Africa's most challenging landscapes. The epic journey was undertaken by Johnny to raise much-needed funds for a respite home established in memory of a Scottish teenager. Setting off from the historic Stirling Castle at the beginning of May, Johnny has cycled solo and unsupported through seven countries, across two continents, crossing three different time zones – all within just 34 days. His efforts are aimed at raising vital funds for the Eilidh Brown Memorial Fund respite home, located in Thornhill, Stirling. Johnny, who resides not far from the home, in Bridge of Allan, has so far navigated his way through Scotland, England, the Netherlands, Belgium, France, Spain, and finally Morocco. The respite home, nestled in the Stirlingshire countryside, holds a special significance for Johnny. His wife, Ally Croal, was the architect who collaborated closely with Eilidh's family to turn the dream of the respite home into reality. Eilidh, a young girl from Stirling, lost her fight against a rare germ cell cancer on March 25, 2010, just nine days before her 16th birthday. During her battle with the rare disease, Eilidh and her family, from St Ninians, spent quality time together at the Calum's Cabin respite home on the Isle of Bute. Eilidh's final wish was for a sanctuary to be built closer to home, where families grappling with the fear and uncertainty of childhood cancer could find solace. After over a decade of tireless fundraising and dedication from her family, the respite home finally came to fruition in 2023, offering much-needed support to families during their darkest hours. However, to keep the home operational, it requires a minimum of £50,000 annually. Johnny is hopeful that his solo ride will not only raise awareness but also contribute significantly towards this amount. Speaking with the Stirling Observer before embarking on his remarkable journey, Johnny explained: "Why am I doing this? Because 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. "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." Johnny has taken on the entire cost of his ride, ensuring that every single penny raised from each pedal stroke goes directly towards the home. With the close family ties to the respite home, Johnny has been no stranger to massive fundraising efforts. In May 2021, he cycled an impressive 875-miles from Land's End to John O'Groats, all in aid of the Eilidh Brown Memorial Fund. His other feats include completing the West Highland Way, conquering the North Coast 500, undertaking the Three Peaks Challenge, participating in the Cateran Yomp 24-hour Challenge and running the London Marathon. In May 2023, he embarked on a solo cycling journey spanning 1,400-miles, from Stirling Castle to the Colosseum. in Rome, to raise funds for the respite home. Just last year, he managed to cycle around the entirety of the UK and Ireland in a mere seven days. Over time, his tireless efforts have helped amass more than £100,000 for charity, thanks to the unwavering support of friends, family, and the local community. This year alone, his marathon endeavour has already raised a staggering sum exceeding £27,000. Upon his return to Scotland, Johnny plans to host a 'Rock to Morocco Music Festival' as a celebration of these efforts and to generate additional funds. The event is scheduled to take place at The Meadowpark Kitchen and Bar on Saturday, June 14, with tickets available for purchase on Eventbrite for £20. All proceeds will go towards The Eilidh Brown Respite Home. To contribute towards Johnny's 'Rock to Morocco', click here.
