Hi, my name is Sophie and I am embarking on the Trek of a Lifetime on the 19th-26th October 2024, the extraordinary challenge of the legendary Camino Way, Santiago Spain. I shall be conquering the Eighth section of the Pilgrimage route the French Way.

It will involve trekking through the charming Spanish villages, along the famed Camino de Santiago, towards the awe inspiring destination of Santiago de Compostela. This is a UNESCO World Heritage site which is steeped in legend, named after the Apostle St James who found his final resting place here.

Those that know me, know that I love a challenge but its even better when that challenge is to raise money for such a fantastic cause. St Michaels Hospice is very close to my heart, having lost both my Grandparents to breast and lung cancer, they both received impeccable care and passed away at St Michaels Hospice many years ago now.

However more recently at the end of December 2021 I found myself in a position seeking medical help for my Great Uncle Robin who was clearly unwell. After an initial response that I was unhappy with I was able to get him to hospital. This led to a diagnosis into the New Year of 2022 that he sadly had brain tumours. Alongside his friend Jane, I drove him to the QE in Birmingham for surgery to remove the Glioblastomas. Radiation followed but sadly could not stem the growth of the advanced and fast growing tumours. Treatment stopped in April 2022 and this saw a rapid deterioration in Uncle Robins general health and wellbeing. As his next of kin I stepped up where possible alongside running my own business, looking after my children and family, sometimes whilst my husband was working away. I would fit in to every waking hour, school drop offs/pickups, cooking homemade meals for him and placing them in the freezer so he didn't have to cook, cook for the family, take it in turns to look after him with his friends, sort appointments and all legal paperwork. Sometimes the responsibility of having to stay overnight and care for him when no one else could. Forgetting about myself along the way and putting everyone else first especially Uncle Robin.

Then we had the involvement with St Michaels Hospice at home hub which was an invaluable resource and the staff were impeccable. This I shall be forever grateful for and their continued help and all they do to assist families in need whilst living with cancer and the end of life care.

Uncle Robin sadly passed away 25th July 2023. We were so very close and made a lifetime of memories together that sadly didn't last long enough. It is the first time I have organised a funeral and especially on my own. As Next of kin and executor of his estate I am still sorting out his affairs alongside life as it is today.

This Trek is in his memory and also for me to take a path of self-discovery, a chance to reflect, learn and embark on a fresh chapter in my life after such sad and stressful times. Plus I also get to share this journey alongside my lovely friend Sarah Wynter who is also doing it with me.

I would be so very grateful to have everyone's support alongside my journey and help me to raise a fantastic sum of money for this cause!

Thank you and truly grateful for you reading my story.

Sophie x