An Aberfoyle father and daughter duo have recently completed an extraordinary adventure spanning more than 2,000 miles across Scotland’s 29 Great Trails to raise funds and awareness for autism. Ian Alderman and his ten-year-old daughter Eve commenced their ambitious journey in January 2023, traversing the country and successfully collecting £7,000 for Scottish Autism, with donations still pouring in on their JustGiving page. Both Ian and Eve, who are on the autism spectrum themselves, have been chronicling their expedition on their ‘Our Spectrum Adventures’ social media platforms, receiving words of encouragement and backing from followers during their nearly two-year odyssey. Eve, believed to be the youngest person to conquer all of Scotland’s Great Trails, embarked on this adventure at the tender age of eight and triumphantly completed it at ten.
Upon accomplishing this feat, Ian reflected, “When Eve was a baby, the hospital discovered a tumour on her spine, and we were informed that we would not be taking her home.” He continued, “After Eve was declared healthy, we resolved to live each day as if it were our last and provide Eve with a memorable childhood in the great outdoors.” Ian emphasized that the logistical aspects posed the greatest challenge throughout their journey, including transportation to and from trails, resupplying, overnight stays (especially in urban areas), financing, coordinating other commitments such as medical appointments and media appearances, nightly social media updates, fundraising for charity, and handling setbacks like being stranded at home due to flooding. Ian highlighted, “Completing all 29 trails in one continuous ’thru-hike’ is more of a logistical and planning challenge than a hiking challenge.”
The Aldermans, known for their adventurous spirit, had previously trekked from Dunnet Head in Scotland to Lizard Point in the UK in 2022. Ian has previously underscored the significance of dispelling stereotypes and misconceptions about autism through their endeavours, as well as supporting the initiatives of Scottish Autism. Jane Kennedy, Income Generation and Partnerships Lead at Scottish Autism, expressed gratitude for Ian and Eve’s remarkable fundraising efforts and the awareness they have raised for autism and Scottish Autism along their journey. To contribute to the pair’s fundraising cause, donations can be made on their JustGiving page at: justgiving.com/page/scotlands-great-trails.