An Aberfoyle father and daughter have kicked off their latest adventuring challenge - all in aid of raising awareness for autism.
Ian and Eve Alderman have already made waves by walking the entire length of the UK last year from Dunnet Head at the very top of Scotland to Lizard Point, the most southerly point in the UK beyond Land’s End.
But that challenge wasn’t enough for the pair - especially for young Eve, who has dreams of one day scaling the mighty Mount Everest.
In an effort to keep up that adrenaline rush and challenging stereotypes around neurodiversity, the pair will take on a 1,900 mile backpacking trek to thru-hike each of Scotland’s 29 Great Trails with the mission of completing them all by 2024.
Along the way, the pair will also be raising money for Scottish Autism, a cause close to their hearts with both Ian and Eve living with autism.
The first trek began on Monday on the Great Trossachs Path, starting in Callander and winding its way up to Inversnaid.
Ahead of that opening challenge, Ian said; “For the last couple of years, we have embarked on adventures to raise awareness of autism and challenge some of the often-associated stereotypes.
“Last year we walked 1300 miles, the length of the UK and raised over £15,000 for autism. This year we have decided to stay closer to home by thru-hiking all 29 of the Scottish Great Trails, covering more than 1,900 miles.
“We hope to be complete by 2024 but feel ready and prepared to continue hiking into the new year through the winter.
“For 2023 we have chosen to support Scottish Autism. Eve and I are both autistic and are two of the main under-represented groups within the neurodiverse community; female children and late-diagnosed males.
“We have two main goals in attempting this epic hike. Firstly, we want to challenge stereotypes and perceptions of autism, by giving the public a window into the realities of an unseen disability that is as varied and challenging as the landscapes we will be hiking through. And secondly to promote, fundraise and raise awareness of Scottish Autism, the work they do in our communities and the support they offer to individuals and families.”
The pair’s progress and regular posts on their journey can be viewed on their ‘Our Spectrum Adventures’ Facebook page and website, where people have shared their own good wishes for Ian and Eve.
Karen Wilson, income generation lead at Scottish Autism, said: “We are absolutely delighted that Ian and Eve have chosen to support us with their latest challenge. It is an epic undertaking, and we are absolutely in awe of their efforts to both raise awareness, and also undertake such a huge physical challenge.
“We are really looking forward to seeing the updates from Ian and Eve across their journey, and we look forward to seeing the total they are able to raise.”
