Father to hike 175 miles and climb Ben Nevis in memory of Son Aidy, raising funds for children’s and cancer charities
A father will undertake an extraordinary solo hiking challenge in memory of his son, Aidy, who tragically passed away from Ewing Sarcoma in 2023 aged just 16.
Beginning on 1 April in Inverness and finishing on 16 April in Milngavie, just north of Glasgow, he will solo hike both the Great Glen Way (79 miles) and the West Highland Way (96 miles), climbing Ben Nevis between the two routes. The final day, 16 April, marks both his and Aidy’s birthday - a poignant milestone as Aidy would have turned 19.
The challenge aims to raise vital funds for three charities that provided invaluable support to Aidy and his family during his illness: Helen & Douglas House, Sarcoma UK, and Teenage Cancer Trust.
Aidy, a former pupil of both Swallowfield and Fulbrook schools in Woburn Sands, was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma in January 2022 at just 14 years old. He endured two lengthy and gruelling courses of chemotherapy and radiotherapy without ever once complaining.
“Aidy was the most remarkable young man,” his father said. “He was thoughtful, kind and incredibly brave. He loved life, had a very bright, inquisitive mind, and was always smiling. Even during the toughest days of treatment, he remained positive and full of light. Every step I take on this journey will be for him - and for the children who are still fighting battles far greater than any mountain.”
Despite the dedicated care he received from medical teams at The John Radcliffe, Churchill and Milton Keynes Hospitals, Aidy sadly passed away on 25 September 2023. He was 16 years old.
From diagnosis onward, life changed forever for the family. Yet amid the fear and heartbreak, three charities stood alongside them.
Helen & Douglas House, the world’s first children’s hospice based in Oxford, provided extraordinary support during the later stages of Aidy’s treatment, helping manage his pain relief and offering round-the-clock care, home visits and specialist physiotherapy.
Sarcoma UK offered guidance, information and compassionate support from the time of diagnosis, while also funding vital research into rare cancers like Ewing Sarcoma.
Teenage Cancer Trust provided specialist youth support and organised remote events designed to support young people facing cancer.
“The fortitude and bravery Aidy showed was more than any child should have to and he continues to inspire me every single day. I am so very proud of him” his father said.
“So, this hike is for my beautiful boy Aidy. For his strength. For his smile. For his light. For the endless love I feel for him”
The challenge will cover more than 274 kilometres on foot, pushing both physical and mental endurance in honour of Aidy’s courage.
Donations of any size are gratefully welcomed, and supporters are encouraged to share the fundraising page to help spread the word.
To donate or find out more, please visit: https://gvwhl.com/RNOQY