Now in my 70th year I intend to do something special, which will give me a personal challenge to improve my own health and well-being, and one that will support a charity too. I have not done anything like this before, so this is going to be a big challenge for me.

Furthermore, ten years ago, in July 2014, I received the diagnosis of Bowel Cancer which was detected early by the Screening Programme. I consider myself to be so fortunate, and I will always be greatly indebted to the Colorectal Surgery Team at Hereford County Hospital for their swift diagnosis and care.

Last October, two young friends, Sophie & Millie had just returned from the St Michael’s Sahara Challenge in memory of their father Pete. On viewing their Just Giving pages I spotted ‘Conquer the Camino Way October 2024 - your journey awaits’ and immediately knew that this fundraising challenge was the one for me.

Like other Herefordshire families we have many friends and relatives, sadly too many to mention everyone here, who have needed the marvellous care St Michael’s Hospice provides. It is in their memory that I embark on this journey, to raise as much as I can to support the future of the Hospice, which relies heavily on donations to fund the care they provide.

The Camino Challenge is a trek through northern Spain and over 100km, the last leg of the Camino Way from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela, and the day we set off from Sarria is the 20th October 2024. This will be for me a special day - a Trek of a Lifetime, and to help me on my way I will carry memories of two dear friends with me, Liz Tomkins and Anne James.

I am self-funding the cost of this challenge, so please be assured that all your donations and any Gift Aid received will go directly to support a range of services, such as, Hospice at Home, Day Services, Family and Carers, Complimentary Therapies, Spiritual Care and Support are just a few of the worthy services offered by St Michael’s Hospice.

Thank you for reading my story and for your kind generosity.