A Long Hike for Aidy

To help raise vital funds for three incredible charities who supported Aidy and our family so well, I am going to take on the challenge of hiking solo the Great Glen Way and the West Highland Way, climbing Ben Nevis in-between.

My hike will commence on April 1st in Inverness and end in Milngavie just north of Glasgow on April 16th. April 16th is both Aidan’s and my birthday. Aidy would have been turning 19.

The Great Glen Way is 79 miles and the West Highland Way is 96 miles and this will no doubt push me physically and mentally to help raise money for charities who supported Aidy and the many children who are fighting battles far greater than any mountain. Every step I take will be for Aidy, and for the children still bravely fighting.

Aidy was the most remarkable young man. Sensitive to other people’s feelings, he was extremely thoughtful, kind and polite, with a bright, inquisitive mind. He loved life, was always laughing and smiling and had a very positive attitude. He enjoyed sport, loved being outdoors and had an interest in science and nature. He was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma in January 2022, aged 14. His treatment plan was brutally gruelling and involved two lengthy courses of chemotherapy and radiotherapy. He never once complained throughout and was always appreciative of the amazing people at The John Radcliffe, Churchill and Milton Keynes Hospitals who looked after him so wonderfully.

Devastatingly, Aidy passed away on 25th September 2023, aged 16, and we remain utterly heartbroken. I think about him every moment of every day and with each day that passes I miss him more.

From the day of his diagnosis onward, our lives changed forever. The journey that followed was filled with fear, strength, hope, heartbreak and more courage than any child should have to show. The fortitude and bravery Aidy demonstrated continues to inspire me every single day. I am so very proud of him.

So, this hike is for my beautiful boy Aidy.

For his strength.

For his smile.

For his light.

For the enormous amount of love I feel for him, which continues to grow.

Helen and Douglas House

Helen and Douglas House is an incredible children’s hospice based in Oxford. As the world’s first children’s hospice, they support families from surrounding counties, caring for children with life limiting and terminal conditions. They provide round-the-clock care in a comforting environment. During the latter part of Aidy’s treatment, Helen and Douglas House offered to step in to manage Aidy’s pain relief. They were just amazing, showed such care and love, and offered much needed help and support. Aidy was mostly an outpatient. The team made visits to our home, phoned on a daily basis and were there to answer our calls during the early hours. They arranged occupational health visits and their physiotherapist visited Aidy at home for weekly sessions. We can never thank them enough for their dedication and the support they gave to us all.

Sarcoma UK

Sarcoma UK is a national charity that funds vital research, offers support for anyone affected by sarcoma cancer and campaigns for better treatments. Aidy was diagnosed with Ewing Sarcoma, a rare, aggressive cancer primarily affecting bones or nearby soft tissues in children, teenagers and young adults, often occurring during rapid growth phases. Sarcoma UK drive awareness of sarcoma cancer, fund sarcoma research, provide information and support to anyone affected by sarcoma cancer and campaign for better treatments and to improve standards of care. We contacted Sarcoma UK soon after Aidy’s diagnosis, and also during his treatment - they were extremely supportive, great at listening and offered good advice.

Teenage Cancer Trust

Teenager Cancer Trust is the only UK charity providing specialised nursing care and expert youth support for young people with cancer. They provide the sensitive, individual care and support young people need at the toughest and scariest time they’ve ever faced. They fund nurses, youth workers and hospital units in the NHS so young people have dedicated staff and facilities to support them throughout treatment. They run events for young people with cancer to help them regain independence and meet other young people going through something similar. Aidy loved spending time chatting to his youth worker, who would visit him regularly. Aidy also remotely attended a couple of the Teenage Cancer Trust events which he found really informative and enjoyable.

If you would like to donate it would mean so much. If you are unable to donate, please would you consider sharing this page.

Many thanks
Roland