Having left parliament earlier this year, this summer Mercedes is embarking on a pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela to raise humanitarian aid and awareness of the global plight of displaced people across the world. With no-one immune from the impact of war, climate change and economic shocks reverberating around the world, human migration is a complex, personal and political topic, but the pilgrimage serves as a reminder that we share the same struggles.

She will become one of the more than half a million people who embark on the pilgrimage each year in their search of physical challenge, mental break and spiritual connection. From her home in Dundee she will make her way to Saint Jean Pied de Port, France from where she will begin the 480 mile overland trek along the ancient Camino de Santiago (The Walk of Saint James). The journey will take her over the Pyrenees and across the Meseta, through cities, villages and remote rural areas.

Inspired by her comrade Matt Kerr's recent sponsored bike ride from Ardrossan to Bournemouth, she is teaming up with CWUHA to raise funds for the incredible work the charity does.

Thanks to Lucas Kendall for providing the photos.