Press

Press release from the Camino (SEPTEMBER 2019):

It’s such a unique experience to wake up every day and walk over 20 miles only to simply eat sleep and repeat. For the last 21  days I have done just that. The body now feels more like a machine that guides me clearly as to its every need. Hunger is real and genuine and the urge to walk is strangely powerful despite physical exhaustion.   

For me the low points have always preceded the high points. I pulled my Achilles on day 1 hiking up the steep terrain of the Pyrenees and I was quite concerned that it might need a lot of time and rest to heal. On day 4 the Achilles pain lead to constant pain in my foot with every step I took. I was walking along on my own feeling pretty sombre with no idea where I would sleep that night. The sun was hot and relentless and it’s fair to say that was a real low point for me. However I then reached a beautiful little hilltop Albergue which had a spare bunk and I sat eating a pilgrims meal with new friends from all over the world. In that moment I felt such joy and comfort that the days challenges seemed somewhat insignificant. 

The highlights have continually been meeting the most open minded people and learning what brought them to the Camino. Whether it has been those overcoming the loss of a close family member or couples wishing to rekindle the magic in their relationship their stories have been both moving and inspiring. The most beautiful souls have been those who have been running the donaitvo monasteries and refreshment stops. They are the most humble people who simply wish to give their time and love to others for free. It’s been such a beautiful thing to see in this world where people seem increasingly insecure and isolated. 

I am now over half way and the next few hundred kilometres will take me into the mountains again and on towards Santiago. I have no idea what the next chapter of this experience will bring but if the last 21 days are anything to go by I am ready and willing to embrace what it brings. 

Reflections (OCTOBER 2019)

I am now on the bus to the airport after the most incredible experience on the Camino de Santiago. For the last 40 days I walked an average of 30km per day from France to the Atlantic Ocean. It was without doubt a physical challenge. Every morning it was a case of reminding the legs how to work .. left right left right until a natural momentum returned. By the end the walk I resembled some kind of robot but was so impressed by my bodies ability to keep going. I carried my 10kg backpack all 870km and by the end it almost felt part of me. 

In the end the Camino was so much more than a physical challenge. Although I set off solo I was rarely alone. I met the most incredible people each day from all walks of life. The Camino spirit seems to become part of everyone on ‘the way’. A deep bond and respect formed through the shared experience. It seemed as though each person regardless of their starting point, could relate to the same things. Common conversation points were the turmoils of drying socks, the snoring in the bunk houses and how best to drain a blister! Many viewpoints were on offer! One of the beautiful things about the Camino spirit was the moment anyone was hurt a swarm of fellow hikers would offer their first aid kit with enthusiasm. There was a widespread feeling of camaraderie which seems so often to be lacking in our modern world. 

For the last 6 weeks I haven’t watched TV or listened to the radio. My feet have been my only form of transport and I haven’t sat on a sofa once! Possessions have taken on a new meaning. On the Camino whatever you buy you carry! Suddenly so much ‘stuff’ feels unnecessary and inhibiting rather than the luxury it once was. In total I walked around 1.5 million steps and now as I transition back to my everyday life I hope to take some of the Camino spirit home with me. Walking 30km a day may be unrealistic but cycling to work is! Next time I want some new possessions I will be asking myself whether I am prepared to carry the weight of them in my life. I have a feeling the answer will often be no! 

I can never forget how lucky I have been to have undertaken this walk. A few years ago when I had Lyme disease, walking a kilometre would have seemed impossible. I could not have believed I would ever be well enough to walk across Spain. One of the most moving messages I had whilst on the Camino was from someone who is debilitated with Lyme disease now. He said my story gave him hope that he may still recover and live a normal life. If nothing else, that alone was enough reason to undertake this challenge. I believe the human spirit is immensely strong and I will be forever grateful for the generosity of those who sponsored me. The Camino has taught me to appreciate the simple things. To value health and happiness over material things and to never give up hope!