The Courier & Advertiser (Fife Edition)
Paddle from Perth to Tayport boosts St Andrews charity
Autistic man leads 26-mile expedition in aid of Options In Life
A Fife man who has autism and severe learning difficulties has completed a marathon paddling session from Perth to Tayport in aid of a worthy cause.
Daniel Gibson, 29, from Tayport, led his dad David, his next-door neighbour Euan Wood and a group of 10 kayakers from Tayside Sea Kayaking Club on an expedition from Perth to Tayport last Saturday to raise funds for Options In Life.
The St Andrews-based charity was established to provide advocacy, support and information, to promote education, training, healthy living, personal and life-skills development for individuals and supporters of those who have complex additional needs, a cause close to the family’s heart.
The intrepid team paddled a total of 26 miles in an amazing four hours 51 minutes on the water – with Daniel even setting the early pace.
Dad David, 57, spoke of his pride in his son’s efforts, but also spoke fondly of the help and assistance given by everyone else involved.
“Daniel is autistic and has quite severe learning difficulties, but he more than matched me,” he said.
“It was quite an achievement for him and he set the pace from the start.
“We’re both members of the club and I called them to say that we were going to do this charity event, but they offered more support.
“I was so happy with the help he was given and they even had a banner for him.
“The day started with heavy a downpour at Newburgh and intermittent light rain between Balmerino and Tayport.
“But some members from Options came to welcome the paddlers into Tayport Harbour with loud cheers and their banner, which was made up by one of the parents of the Options In Life service users.
“All in all it had been a very tiring but successful day.”
Daniel’s mum Ann and sister Hannah provided welcome refreshments at Newburgh and Balmerino and Ingrid Todd, one of the kayakers’ wives, gave land support.
To date, Daniel’s efforts have raised a phenomenal £1,166 for the charity – with much more expected to come in over the coming weeks.
Daniel is autistic and has quite severe learning difficulties, but he more than matched me. DANIEL’S DAD DAVID