UPDATE - 13/16 AUGUST

Thank you for the support and donations from St Mary's Church and The County Club Bridgwater Somerset.

NEW CHALLENGES ARE AFOOT !
Our pilgrimage sparked great interest and brought many questions about the why, the how, the where, and the when and most importantly the WHO! These important questions require a very full response - so:

1. Within our own community, we will give an account of the adventures on the Camino after the summer holidays.

2. CAMINO INGLES. We learnt important lessons on the benefits and the challenges before, during and after our Camino adventure. We set up the Camino Ingles as a biannual event for carers and those who suffer rare neurological diseases.

3. The aim of this Camino is simple. ENSURE THAT THOSE WHO HAVE RARE NEUROLOGICAL DISABILITIES AND THEIR CARERS JOIN THE ADVENTURE WHILST HELPING RAISE AWARENESS AND FUNDS FOR THE NEW CENTRE!

Update - 12 June We returned at midnight on Monday 5 June - The next morning saw us with Simon Parkin on his Radio Somerset Show. As ever, he is kind, considerate, patient and generous encouraging us to tell some of our story. That evening, we drove to Powderham Castle in Devon to meet with the Rare Dementia Support (RDS) group. The 19th Earl of Devon, Charles Courtenay and his family allow RDS the use of their home to host meetings every first Tuesday of the month. The following day exhaustion began to set in. I had not realised how much the adventure had taken out of my mental, physical and spiritual resources. Our two delightful labradoodles returned home on Thursday. I will recuperate for a couple of weeks. Thank you for your generous and welcome support.

UPDATE - 3 June The number of pilgrims swells over these last stages as the numerous ancient caminos from different start points join like tributaries swelling a river. We are exchanging the peace and closeness to nature of the lush green countryside of Galicia for the urban streets, traffic and exhaust fumes of its capital city Santiago de Compostela (Field of Stars). We negotiate narrow ancient streets, catching glimpses of majestic towering spires as we tread in the footsteps of the millions who have trodden this path for centuries. Swirling pipes remind us that the Galicians are Celts - through a dark passage beneath a granite house, into dazzling sunshine and a massive square the size of 8 football pitches and we are in front of The Santiago de Compostela Archcathedral Basilica which is the reputed burial place of Saint James the Great, one of the apostles of Jesus Christ - we are emotional, exhausted and exhilarated! Our friend, Dr Greg Tanner is there to greet us.

Update: 31 May

Raining 'cats and dogs'! Galicia is very green like Ireland ! And like Ireland big dark water laden clouds roll in from the Atlantic. Right now, the thunder storm roars and lightening sparkles across dark skies.

Just received email. 'Great news! You've received a donation from Charities Aid Foundation at the request of your friend Paul Kist.

You've been sponsored £150 to support The National Brain Appeal.'

"Wonderful Camino Frances!! Awesome achievement!!"

I've updated the target to £9000 ie 30000 less than the original aim but i will keep my hopes up and the page open whilst I continue to find ways to increase the generous donations towards the Centre.

Update 27 May

We decided to keep going and Avril's brother was relieved that we would continue. We have now reached the mountains and the going is tough and the scenery breathtaking, reminiscent of the west of Ireland and Scotland. Some new pictures below - weather is blustery with occasional rain rolling in from the Atlantic - cool until the sun peeps out after midday then hot unless the trees or clouds give shelter. I've found the ascents exhausting. Avril is fitter and has to wait for me to catch my breath! We have experienced difficult times and wonderful people. The Camino sets its own rules - each of us has something to learn in its peaceful grace - the Camino allows the opportunity to unwrap truths too difficult to unravel in the hustle and bustle of our busy lives.

Update 20 May

We have reached Leon - tired - countryside mildly undulating cereal growing terrain. Avril and I were in tears talking with her brother whose wife, Sheila, died yesterday morning. Avril is deeply distressed - your positive thoughts will us on and strengthen the spirit - we have done our laundry and are both tired and we will consider our options today. Thank you for your love and support - .

Update: 12 May

Casteljerez - feeling fitter - showers today and cold - ideal for walking and we made faster progress. Tired and grateful for wonderful support - thank you.

Update: 10 May

On to Logrono and then Najera - ,our next 2 days proved to be long arduous walks of over 30 Km although grueling and exhausting we did find an Irish pub next to the hotel Logrono and sank a Guinness with supper. The following 25Km days were tiring and I did not have the energy to open let alone edit the JG page. The CAMINo has never been as crowded at this time of year - many are frustrated as accommodation is scarce. We are being rerouted from the camino to accommodation many miles away and need to take taxis - some people are annoyed, frustrated but we take it in our stride - the is the CAMINO and reflects the path of life. We have now reached Burgos a bustling city full of noise and a great contrast after the peace of the countryside - a long walk through traffic and crowds scurrying to and fro - following the tranquil walks a shock to the system. At last we have a day off and visited the XIIIc Catedral de Santa Maria - a world heritage site - essentially Gothic - we glimpsed treasures and masterpieces of architecture, painting and carving worthy study for at least a year!

We must now make intelligent decisions about future walks on the Camino - the weather forecast promises rain and some of the distances are around 30 km along roads with fast moving traffic. I am conscious that Avril's visual impairment poses potential danger and we may overface ourselves so we will make our plans as we go along.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR SUPPORT - A FEW MORE PICTURES FROM THE PAST WEEK!

Update: 3 May

Up and out before dawn - 2km walk from our lodgings to Camino to meet Catherine our documentary maker. Dark dotted with fellow walkers through the streets and on to dawn and quiet rolling pastures vibrant with contrasting colours and mountains ahead and behind. We took the mystical path though ancient woods and over the Alto pass - tougher but worth every step of beauty. We have a long hard day tomorrow Avril is fast asleep and my head is drooping. Good night and God bless and keep you safe on your camino.

Update: 2 May

We have reached Estella - After walking to Puenta de La Reinna no accommodation because of May long weekend and not even a stable available! CaminoWays rescued us - taxi to Estella - great opportunity to repack and laundry of sweaty clothes. "But who are ye, in ragged clothes and rotten shoes, dirty bearded blocking up the road? We are the pilgrims, Master, we shall go, always a little further......." The Camino is guiding us and we meet kindness and gentleness every step of the way. The blood red poppies and yellow cornflower and green wheat against the azure sky and blue mountains delight the eye. Avril gains in confidence as we ascend the mountains and my fitness improves.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR GENEROSITY - THIS CAUSE IS SO IMPORTANT FOR FUTURE GENERATIONS.

PLEASE FORGIVE ME FOR NOT UPDATING OFTEN ENOUGH - I'M EXHAUSTED at the end of our walks AND AFTER SETTLING AVRIL AND MY SHOWER MY HEAD EMBRACES THE PILLOW AND IMMEDIATE SLUMBER. GOOD NIGHT AND GOD BLESS YOU - WE SET OUT BEFORE DAWN TOMORROW. Michael

Update - 29/4

We have reached Pamplona. I WOULD UPDATE MORE OFTEN IF I WERE NOT SO TIRED AFTER EACH STAGE. The first stages exhausting for ME, MICHAEL who needs to get fit! Avril has been fine, although a couple of blisters needed attention - Avril never complains so I have to be vigilant. A friend of ours, Doctor Greg Tanner, has accompanied us over these first few days and leaves tomorrow - we will miss him and his encouraging help. We are staying in Pamplona ( Hemingway country for those who know his books and short stories) for two nights and the rest is very welcome. The next nine days will be a great challenge as the distances are longer with steep climbs. Catherine Young, is making a documentary of our Camino and will film these first and last few days.

WE THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR GREAT GENEROSITY AND MESSAGES OF SUPPORT, AND OF COURSE FOR DONATING TO THIS MOST IMPORTANT WORLD CENTRE FOR RARE DEMENTIAS. YOU ARE ALL IN OUR THOUGHTS AND PRAYERS ON THIS GREAT CAMINO CHALLENGE.

Update - 20/4

Your generous support is a great morale booster - Avril and I are extremely grateful! We have been busy getting ready for the Camino - dusting off our kit, booking travel, getting documents in order and fitting in fitness training with our two mini labradoodles, Tintin and Zulu. I will have to get fitter on the hoof!

Catherine Young, an aspiring documentary maker whom we met at the Royal Geographical Society will accompany us for the first and last few days. I'm learning some IT skills so that I can take and send pictures.

Best wishes and thank you,

Michael

Avril and I will walk 780 km on the CAMINO FRANCES in support of THE WORLD’S FIRST CENTRE SPECIALISING IN RARE (YOUNG ONSET) DEMENTIAS. Avril has a rare dementia - Posterior Cortical Atrophy (PCA)

THE NATIONAL BRAIN APPEAL (TNBA)is currently raising £7m to support the creation of the world’s first Rare Dementia Support Centre, part of UNIVERSITY COLLEGE LONDON QUEEN SQUARE INSTITUTE OF NEUROLOGY. The centre will be a state-of-the-art home for that service; bringing together those living with a rare dementia with experienced healthcare professionals, as well as providing a space for pioneering research, education of health care professionals and artistic and cultural activities.

TNBA WILL LAUNCH THE RARE DEMENTIA CAMINO CHALLENGE (RDC2) IN AUTUMN 2023 TO RUN OVER MANY YEARS. THE RECONNAISSANCE WAS SCHEDULED FOR THIS APRIL.

SUDDENLY IT'S NOW OR NEVER! On 21 January, Avril’s condition unexpectedly deteriorated significantly leading to a compulsory hospital admission and return home on 12 March. I had promised Avril that I would take her on the CAMINO in September so I had no time to lose!

AT THE AGE OF 60, IN 2015 YOUNG ONSET DEMENTIA ENDED AVRIL'S MEDICAL CAREER AS AN OBSTETRICIAN ENDED. The condition started much earlier leading to family, financial and heart breaking problems. Avril is still young, good looking, fit as a flea, but has difficulty with expressing herself and her situational awareness, visual perception, sense of direction and life skills have deteriorated significantly. Although unsure whether it's Christmas or Tuesday Avril often retains insight and memory.

LET'S USE YOUNG ONSET DEMENTIA TO FIND THE ANSWERS! Avril and I are passionate about this centre because potentially its research holds the key to solving the threat posed by the world’s growing pandemic of Alzheimer’s Disease. Younger people unencumbered by the problems of old age are better subjects for research!

THIS ADVENTURE WILL BE A TOUGH CHALLENGE! I am a doctor and although retired will remain on the medical register until I'm 80, next year, just in case they need vaccinators. I'm in remission from four cancers and 11 years older than Avril. I finished chemotherapy last July and am just getting back to fitness.

OUR CAMINO WILL SHOW THAT PEOPLE WITH THESE AFFLICTIONS MUST NEVER BE WRITTEN OFF. They are alive, capable and brave! We sail by Brittany Ferries to Bilbao on St George’s day 23 April and on the first night after walking from St Jean de pied de Port we will celebrate Avril’s 68th birthday on 27th!