Hazel’s Footprints
732. Bill Scott Aiton
733. Joan Scott Aiton
Bill and Joan Scott Aiton, from Berwickshire, founded the charity ‘Hazel’s Footprints’ in memory of their 21-year-old daughter, Hazel, who died in 2004.
As a young adult, Hazel had volunteered for a school in Namibia, which shaped her as a person. Following her death, Bill and Joan set up the charity to give grants to help others gain the life-changing experience of volunteering abroad. The couple have now raised over one million pounds, and each year they fund 20 individuals to do educational volunteering for at least six months in a developing country. The charity supports a wide range of people, including those on career breaks, pre-university gap years and parents whose children have moved out of the home.
In a personal letter to Bill and Joan, Prime Minister Theresa May said:
“You have created an inspirational charity to commemorate the life of your daughter, Hazel. Through ‘Hazel’s Footprints’, you are helping others gain the life-changing experience of volunteering abroad, while supporting education and development projects across the world.”
Bill and Joan said:
“We are very honoured and surprised, but feel the award reflects all the hard work that has been done by the Trustees and all Hazel’s young friends who have supported us over the years. Above all, Hazel herself would have been thrilled that so many young, underprivileged children have benefited from all the hard work.”