Family’s journey inspires walk

Her love of walking through the Peak District has helped Gillian Scotford  cope with the challenge of caring for two severely disabled sons.

Now Gillian hopes that love will be a lasting legacy for her sons, Tom, 16, and Sam, 13.

“When I was young we used to walk through the Peak District as a family and I know the area really well, so when I was trying to think of some way of raising money for Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice, I came up with a route which would take walkers on a 35-mile route through 20 villages.”

This June will be the fifth annual Golden Miles walk which has raised £45,000 and is now set to be recognised as a new way-marker path by the Peak District National Park.

“The rangers will be putting the signs up soon and it makes me very proud. I want it to be a legacy for my boys.”

The way-marked path follows the publication of a glossy guidebook, which Gillian has written over two years and which is now for sale in major bookshops and supermarkets. The Dowager Duchess of Devonshire has contributed a foreword.

It includes four and five-star accommodation and local pubs and tea rooms.

“There are six shorter circular routes and you are never far from a pint or a cup of tea,” says Gillian, who refuses to let life get her down.

For 15 years she was a district nurse and sister in Derbyshire, including Chatsworth House. “I loved my job and was very driven by my career.”

She had her first son, who is healthy and studying event management at college. And then Tom was born two years later.

“Tom was born with a heart defect and was severely brain damaged,” explains Gillian.

“He’s like a baby; he can’t do anything for himself, except smile. He needs constant 24 hours a day care and will do for the rest of his life. He has had three respiratory failures and epileptic fits.”

Then, when Gillian was pregnant with her third son, Sam, he suffered a stroke in the womb and was born with cerebral palsy and autistic tendencies.

He also needs 24-hour care. As a result of her sons’ needs, Gillian gave up the job she loved and also her walking hobby.

“You can’t do the things you used to enjoy, but you learn to get enjoyment out of other things. It was hard giving up my job, but you just have to get on with it.”

To keep her mind occupied, Gillian started fund-raising, first to build three playgrounds for disabled children and then to create Bluebell Children’s Hospice in Sheffield.

“I needed to have a project on the go which would distract me from the reality of the everyday challenges their conditions presented.

“Through publishing this book, which will raise funds for the hospice and also for a trust fund for my own boys’ care.

“I feel as if I have now taken control of what was a pretty daunting situation.

“When we didn’t have the hospice I would travel to Leicester to a hospice. Having Bluebell Wood has really helped our family.”

Peak trek for children’s hospice

Tom’s golden mile challenge first took place in 2008, in aid of Bluebell Wood Children’s Hospice. The next event is on June 10 when 18 women will walk the entire 35 miles route. People are invited to join in the last seven miles of the route which takes walkers through the Chatsworth Estate and then on to a special finale party at Thornbridge Hall, Ashford-in-the-Water. Spaces are limited and there is a registration fee of £12.50 adults including a pint of Thornbridge Ale or a glass of bubbly and £5 for children. For more information on the walk or to order a copy of the book visit www.goldenmiles.co.uk