Father And Daughter Duo Complete Scotland's Great Trails To Raise Funds For Scottish Autism
Father and daughter duo, Ian and Eve Alderman, have completed all twenty-nine of Scotland's Great Trails as part of a near two-year fundraising challenge, trekking for some two-thousand miles across Scotland.
Starting their journey in January 2023 the pair, who are both autistic, have raised almost seven thousand pounds for Scottish Autism, with their total continuing to rise on their JustGiving page. Having started the fundraising journey at the age of eight, and completed it at the age of ten, Eve is believed to be the youngest person to complete all of Scotland's Great Trails.
The pair have documented their journey on their blog - Our Spectrum Adventures - and their achievements have been celebrated by Scottish Autism and by NatureScot, who manage Scotland's Great Trails, with the pair receiving certificates and recognition from both organisations.
Commenting after completing the challenge, Ian Alderman said:
When Eve was a baby, the hospital found a tumour growing on her spine. We were told we would not be taking her home. Once Eve was given the all clear we decided to try and live everyday like it was our last and give Eve the best childhood in the outdoors.
"The biggest challenge was never the trails, the weather, blisters or any other factor most people or even casual hikers might think about. In the end, the biggest challenge and focus for us was logistics, logistics, logistics!
"The planning was where we spent most of our time and effort, such as getting to and from the trails, resupplying options, overnighting (especially in urban areas) financing, scheduling other commitments such as hospital appointments and radio interviews, as well as social media posting every night, charity fundraising, dealing with setbacks such as getting flooded in or out of our home.
"Completing all 29 trails in one near continuous ‘thru-hike’ is less of a hiking challenge more of a logistic and planning challenge. But people like hiking, the photographs, the story of it all and everything that goes with that. People never see what goes on behind the scenes to make it all happen!
Jane Kennedy, Income Generation and Partnerships Lead at Scottish Autism said:
We are absolutely delighted with the sums of money which Ian and Eve have raised during this incredible journey and we are extremely grateful that they have chosen to support Scottish Autism through their challenge.
"They have not only raised funds which will help to support the ongoing provision of services for autistic people, they have also raised awareness of autism and of the work of Scottish Autism along the way.
Bridget Jones, Recreation and Paths Manager at NatureScot added:
Eve is a such an inspiration. Walking 1900 miles to complete all of Scotland’s Great Trails is a remarkable accomplishment for anyone – but at the age of 10, it’s absolutely phenomenal. I know she and her dad, Ian, had many wonderful times on these beautiful trails and now have memories that will last a lifetime, while also raising greater public awareness of autism.
"We hope Eve’s story will inspire everyone to get out and about enjoy the wildlife and beautiful scenery on Scotland’s Great Trails.
Show Your Support
If you would like to show your support for this amazing and inspiring team's efforts by making a donation to their fundraising page, in aid of Scottish Autism, click here >>> Make a donation
