Losing my daughter Tanya to cancer at 27 back in 2006 made me realise how precious life is and to make the most of it.

Saturday 19 October 2024 is the day I set off to embark on the Trek of a Lifetime. I will be walking 100km, the eighth and final section of the French Way of the Camino Pilgrimage route from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela, northern Spain.

With my 70th birthday in 2023 I made up a ‘Yes’ list of lots of experiences and adventures I wanted to undertake but the Camino tops all of those. Taking part in this major challenge and raising much needed funds for St Michael’s Hospice is totally amazing. It will be a path of self-discovery, a chance to reflect and honour Tanya’s memory as well as supporting such a worthy cause.

St Michaels Hospice is very close to my heart particularly having lost a great friend Caro at 38 in March 2023 and already knowing how vital end of life care is, not just for the patient, but family and friends too.

Tanya would be very proud of me and will be with me in spirit, cheering every step of the way and I know the journey will be very emotional. I will also be sharing this journey with Caro’s mum Celia and her sister Roz.

100% of your sponsorship money will go directly to St Michael’s Hospice to support their incredible work.

Thank you for taking the time to read my story.