What kind of person does it take to change the world? 

From birth, Alistair embodied an adventurous spirit of determination, with passion, kindness and a true heart for humanity. He had a list of things he wanted to achieve in life and high on that list was a desire to "inspire young people to greatness" and to create a spirit of 'giving back' whilst pursuing that journey.

Alistair Farland was “that kind of person”, an adventurer with a fearless spirit, ready to change the world.

He combined intelligence with guts and passion with action. He had an ability to have fun and the courage to go out on his own and do what needed to be done. Surrounded by people who were told “the world is your oyster”, Al actually opened the oyster, ready to talk with and engage anyone he met along the way. He felt that Generation Y didn't go on adventures anymore and wrote "I want to change that".

Through his own journey he pushed himself out of his comfort zone, and thus experienced a deep sense of personal growth and an understanding of humanity well beyond his years.

His incredibly supportive parents believed in the importance of experiencing our world also. In 2014 before embarking on an adventure of a lifetime, Alistair graduated from university, worked with several charities, regularly volunteered at the Children's Hospital in Sydney Australia, began his officer training in the Australian Army and constantly reminded those around him that life's about "attitude and gratitude". His earlier years were marked by his involvement in the scouting movement and later by being on an extended cultural exchange with a family in rural Italy. These things taught him self reliance, leadership, thinking outside the square, as well as a love for nature which complemented his thirst for adventure and desire to experience other cultures.

Upon finishing his degree, like many of his generation, Alistair felt swamped by life’s choices. He knew a few things for certain: the need to explore and the need to give back.  He had a passion to inspire others and to push himself. Knowing that his generation’s idea of an adventure was a bathroom squat in Dubai airport, he decided to break ranks, and embark on a solo motorcycle journey from Alaska to South America. 

The last 16 weeks of his life brought him into contact with truly beautiful, kind, caring individuals but also with some of the more 'tricky' people in this world. It was in Alaska where great loneliness, wildlife, rough terrain and other 'life changing' moments saw him questioning not just his solo journey and safety but his sheer purpose in this world.  Whilst he pushed himself to the limits, the quietness of time and life's many challenges surrounded him as he journeyed from boyhood into manhood.

He explained on his website, www.whilstIwasout.com:

 “This trip is forcing me to believe that people are inherently good and each border merely separates families who want better for their children than for themselves." 

Tragically, Alistair was killed in a highway accident, 4 months into his journey. He had swum in the Arctic Ocean, accidentally camped with bears in Canada, been airlifted from a forest-fire in Yosemite, danced into the desert night at Burning Man and had broken down more times than he could remember. He had inspired countless people he met and stayed with to start their own journeys, encouraging them to step out of their own personal comfort zones. While on the road, he had given his time to charities and organisations, continuing a passion he had from school days.

One can’t help but be inspired by his story. One of his own dreams was to start a charity that inspired people to do great things.

He would have loved the “Change Your World Fund” and been excited by anyone who would dare to apply. 

July 2015

>>Return to the Change Your World Fund page