Logan Winter, 25, has Down Syndrome, autism, dyspraxia and other intellectual disabilities, and he is non-communicative. He is also a keen tramper with a goal this month: to hike the Hooker Valley track with his dad, Nigel.

Nigel Winter wants people to understand that tramping isn’t reserved for the wealthy, young or fit.

The pair decided on the tramping goal a year ago and have put in the training, heading out every third week to help build Logan up for the challenge.

Nigel said they started out with walks of around 2km. Over time they have built up fitness and and hit the 12km mark in July.

“This was completed under pretty challenging conditions too, with snow flurries, bone-chilling headwinds and temperatures of zero degrees and less,” said Nigel.

“As Logan is non-communicative, any indication of him getting fatigued and cold have to come from watching him closely and monitoring his body language.”

Nigel said when they are out walking together, Logan always has a big smile.

“In the outdoors people always stop and say hello to Logan, whereas most days in the city people just pass him by,” said Winter.

Logan has become an inspiration to his community and the training has developed his confidence.

“I think Logan is really excited about how he is progressing. He gets a real buzz from hearing people being motivated and inspired by what he is working towards,” said Nigel.

“I am hoping this challenge highlights that people with disabilities should also be treated as equals, and that perception and limitations are only dictated by one’s attitude and outlook.”