Nine-year-old autistic boy from Nairn gives vital boost to charity's Highland eBook bid
A boy from Nairn was a main driving force behind a charity fundraiser and contributed to the purchase of eBooks on autism and neurodivergence for Highland libraries.
The National Autistic Society Scotland announced it has raised over £3000 to make more resources and information available for autistic people and families living in the Highlands.
They said an incredible bike ride on the Dava Way – a 24-mile route between Forres and Granton-on-Spey – by a 9-year-old autistic boy, Andrew Ochojna raised over £2000 for the cause.
This money funded a new website for the Pines, a multi-organisational team based in Inverness who support children and families with neurodevelopmental needs throughout the Highlands.
The team includes the National Autistic Society Scotland’s Highland information service, and the website provides advice and guidance for parents, carers and professionals. This year alone the website has reached over 38,000 people.
This year, the remaining funding from Andrew’s bike ride has gone towards the purchase of an eBook collection for High Life Highland Libraries.
Over 40 new titles focussed on autism and neurodivergence have been added to the existing High Life Highland Libraries eBook collection. It includes best sellers Odd Girl Out by Laura James and Un-typical by Pete Wharmby, as well as books for children.
Alongside Andrew’s fundraising effort, the National Autistic Society Scotland’s Highland Information Officer, Alison Footitt raised almost £1000 this year by walking the Glasgow Kiltwalk. The funds raised will keep the Pines website going for another 12 months and will also support the eBook project.
Alison Footitt, Highland Information Officer for National Autistic Society Scotland said: “The money Andrew raised in 2020 has made a huge difference to our local support. Without his money we could not have developed our amazing website or purchased eBooks.
“I was very conscious that without more money we would struggle to fund the website this year, which is why I did the Kiltwalk and persuaded my husband to join me. It was great to raise enough for the website and to partner with our fantastic High Life Highland Library Service to offer eBooks to support understanding about autism and neurodiversity.
“eBooks are perfect for our remote Highland communities, and I hope there will be something for everyone whether child, teenager, parent or professional”.
Andrew’s mum Gerry was delighted to hear that the money he raised is still being put to good use and said: “The new eBook collection looks fantastic – I will definitely be making use of this amazing facility.”
The National Autistic Society Scotland said would like to add more eBooks to the new High Life Highland Libraries collection and keep the Pines website going, so it is asking more Highlanders to get involved with fundraising.
Rob Holland, director of the National Autistic Society Scotland said: “It is fantastic to see Andrew and Alison’s fundraising efforts being put to good use in the Highlands. These resources will be invaluable for so many autistic people and families.
“We’d love more people in the Highlands to get involved with fundraising and help us to keep these resources available for many years to come.”
Head of Libraries, Julie Corcoran said: “High Life Highland is delighted to be working in collaboration with The Pines Highland and National Autistic Society Scotland. This collaboration will enable High Life Highland to reach new and diverse audiences in the Highlands with our digital collections, as well as increase awareness and knowledge of neurodivergent issues. We have already had a good response from customers and hope to build on the collection in the future.”
