Boy, 9, puts in the miles for charity

Autistic Andrew cycles for support centre

A Highland schoolboy showed great determination as he cycled 24 miles to raise funds for a neurodevelopmental support centre.

Andrew Ochojna from Nairn took on the cycle challenge yesterday along the Dava Way, which is the old railway line between Grantown on Spey and Forres.

The nine-year-old has autism and dyspraxia and had taken up the activity as a hobby to escape from the struggles of lockdown.

And he decided to use his exertions to raise funds for The Pines support centre in Inverness, which has been such a big support to his family.

The unit offers a range of agencies and services, including occupational therapy, speech and language therapy and support charities.

His mother Gerry was bursting with pride as he completed the cycle challenge and revealed he’d already raised £1,300 to repay the charity for its “invaluable” support.

Last night Mrs Ochojna told The P&J: “I’m unbelievably proud and can’t really put into words how awesome he is for taking on this challenge.

“He started with our local bike club, Revolution CT Juniors, and his confidence has just grown from there.

“He has found lockdown pretty difficult, what with being in all the time, so we were getting out and about on our bikes.

“The journeys became longer and longer as we went on and then he came up with the idea of the challenge.

“The Pines’ support has been really important to me as much as Andrew because they provide amazing support sessions for parents so we can learn how to deal with children that have autism.

“We just know they are at the end of the phone if we need them.”

Mrs Ochojna said Andrew set his original fundraising target at £100 as he was unsure just how his page would do.

After just a few days, the generous public helped him smash the target with ease.

CHALLENGE: Andrew Ochojna with his mother Gerry while on his impressive quest