Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

On 24 August 2015, what was supposed to be a rather straight forward surgery, to cure me of the epileptic seizures that started in 2009, rendered me paralysed down my left side. Three weeks later one of my medical team came to tell me that, based on the results of the MRI taken earlier that day, it was highly unlikely I'd ever walk, work or live independently again. He handed me a list of nursing homes and told me I'd still have "some quality of live in there"

I decided differently!

With the help of an amazing group of physiotherapist (and the unwavering support of friends) I took my first steps on 11 October 2015. The first time I walked 10 metres (10.9 yards) it took me 4 minutes and 49 seconds but it was the biggest victory of my life.

On 15 December 2015, still unable to walk outside or without someone holding me, I made a bucket list and decided I was going to do two things: walk on the Great Wall of China and walk the Camino. I walked on the Great Wall of China on 24 August 2017. Now it's Camino time!

On 24 August 2023, to the day 8 years after the surgery that changed my life forever, me and my strong, unbalanced, beautiful, hemiplegic body will complete the last 116 km (72 miles) and walk into Santiago de Compostela together with my best friend, Ester.

I'm not just doing this for me and to show you can't let others tell what you are and aren't capable of. I'm also very much doing this to raise funds for the amazing team of physiotherapists in Beaumont hospital who helped me back on my feet, and who continue to support me, so they can support others like me to get to where I am today. They never stopped believing in me and they helped me push through some of the darkest days in my life. They are my heroes!

I hugely appreciate any support you can give, no donation is too small. Believe me when I say, it makes a difference!!

You can follow my journey as I prepare for and then walk the Camino on Insta: @hemiplegicwalkingthecamino

Thank you so much!