Howson sets off on 300 mile walk to ‘Put Autism on the Map’
The artist Peter Howson has today set off from Aberdeen on a quest to walk across Scotland in aid of autism, the condition which has had a direct impact on both him and his family. The 56 year old Scottish artist is aiming to walk the 300 miles to Ayr over the next three weeks to raise money for Scottish Autism and promote wider public awareness of the condition.
Peter has personally been diagnosed with Asperger’s Syndrome, a form of autism, and his daughter Lucie, who is now a young adult, also lives with the condition. Throughout his “Putting Autism on the Map” challenge, Peter will visit a number of cities and towns across Scotland where he will be meeting with individuals and families who live with autism. He also plans to do a series of daily sketches throughout his trek which will be used to raise further funds to support Scottish Autism's work.
In the first, five day leg of the walk, Peter aims to get from Aberdeen to Dundee. From there he will trek through Fife, on to Edinburgh, across the central belt to Glasgow and then on the final destination of Ayr, which he hopes to reach by 24thApril.
The challenge has already attracted an initial £50,000 of sponsorship from property investment firm Raven Russia whose Deputy Chairman Anton Bilton is a client and admirer of Mr Howson’s work.
Peter Howson is a painter with an international reputation. He was Official British War artist during the 1993 Bosnian Civil War where his often graphic paintings highlighted the brutality of that conflict. Later, in 1999, he was the London Times War Artist in Kosovo. More recently he was commissioned to paint the official Christmas card for Scottish First Minister. His portrait of Artaban, the fourth wise man, is due to be auctioned off for charity later this year.
The artist has endured many years of illness and poor health, brought on by an excessive lifestyle and stress which was partly linked to his Asperger’s Syndrome. However, last year, with support from his partner and a new team of advisers, he began to adopt a healthy living regime and has been using exercise as a route to both physical and mental well-being.
Preparing for his departure from Aberdeen today, Peter said: “I am so excited to be starting this journey across Scotland to help put autism on the map. This walk has been my key focus since the start of the year and I am now really looking forward to making it happen and, in the process, supporting Scottish Autism with the great work they are doing to improve the lives of people who live with autism.
“I’ve had so much positive encouragement in training for the walk and I’ve been delighted with the initial financial support we’ve received - of course, I’m hoping to generate so much more over the next few weeks. I’m also looking forward to meeting lots of people throughout the walk, including those who live with the condition.”
Alan Somerville, CEO of Scottish Autism, said: “We’re delighted with this incredible commitment from Peter to raise awareness of autism and support our work as a charity. He is not only a high profile figure but also an inspiring one who has more understanding than most of what it is like to live with the condition.
“In taking on this significant challenge, Peter has shown just how determined he is to promote the important work that goes on to spread greater public awareness of autism and help organisations like ours provide the best possible support for people who live with the condition.”
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Peter Howson addresses supporters in Aberdeen on World Autism Awareness Day
