14th Nov 2008: As our fundraising year comes to its end over the 10th anniversary of our dear James' death, we find ourselves deeply changed, hopefully for the better, and ever grateful for the love and support that we have received from good folk like yourselves, to make these events so worthwhile. Combining the Camino and the Lovely Bug Ball, held at the end of August, we are thrilled to tell you that we have raised in excess of £14,000, or the equivalent of two more weekends away for Bereaved Parents and Adult Siblings. Thanks to you all and bless you for your generosity.  

27th July: safely home and cannot believe that 'our adventure' is completed. So much to talk to you all about, the whole pilgrimage has nothing to do with the distance but the reasons that you set out with in the first place and more importantly the changes that you make in your life when you get back!! Thank you all for all your support, texts and e-mails. LnH to you all. NnD    

24th July, and Di`s bit: The three day trek was great with Nick without bandages the whole way! I just wanted you all to know how proud I am of Nich, he has managed so well and his fortitued is amazing.  Let his perseverance, endurance and courage be an inspiration to you to get up and do something worthwhile for someone else. He is such a special man, and thank you for supporting him in his great achievement.  I liken the Camino to life itself, full of ups and downs, jewel moments and trash moments, and we have had a wonderful adventure and shared a great experience.  See lots of you soon! Much love from Di/Diana/Ditty.xxoo

21st July: hooray we made it to Santiago de Compostela and a day ahead, so took the Sunday off and did the sights, lit candles in the Cathedral to Cousin Jamie and our James ending a line all the way up through Portugal and Spain. Now on our way to Finesterre with 2 days to go. Only 34kms tomorrow with a 510 M climb, all this only possible with D´s caring hands. Who says miracles aren´t evident today...any questions see me! Festival of St James (San Tiago) on Friday and flying home on Saturday. Bless you all for all your support. LnH to all. N&D  

17th July: we crossed into Spain yesteday and now only 3 days from Santiago. For those who haven't been to Northern Portugal/Spain it is soooo much more beautiful than the south. High 'mountains´ with unspoilt beaches, BUT no English he is spoke!! Considering doing the walk to Finesterre (believed to be the end of the world in 16C) to make up for the lost KM´s due to feet. They are still tender but so much better thanks to constant care from Di. So on target and hoping to update on Sunday from Santaiago itself. Getting quite emotional about reaching there after all this time.LnH NnD 

9th July: hooray on the move again, with initial reduced daily mileages to help the poor old feet. Di arrived on Sunday and her magic has worked!! AntiB's have worked well and new creams from  the amazing pharmacies seem to have done the job. We will see later after the first 10 miles!! Internet cafe's very hard to find but will keep you up do date asap. LnH N+D

5th July: Exactly on target till today! Just south of Coimbra (which is south of Porto). Just out of hospital where I've been told that I've picked up a bact. infection through blisters despite all the training so am laid up for a bit. Just as well that I have some days spare!! Di joins me on Monday which will be bliss. Countryside is desp. poor while the cities flourish. Nothing like I imagined, esp. the daily washing and drying required! Keep you all posted. Love n blessings. NC

25 June: Well here we go, just like the night before Christmas.. excited and slightly anxious to say the least. If we haven't got it now, its just too late. I'll update this once a week to keep you lovely people aware of how its all going. LnH to you all.

I am undertaking to cover over 1000 miles in training before the start of the main event, which is to walk the 1100 year old Camino pilgrimage from Lisbon in Portugal to Santiago de Compostela in Northern Spain, a distance of about 500 miles! [698 miles so far as at 04/02/08]

I will start walkiing at the end of June 2008 with Diana / Ditty / Di joining me at the end of term, foraging ahead for accommodation / food / water using whatever transport is available!! The aim of this project is to raise funds during the 10th anniversary of our sons death , for the BPN [Bereaved Parents Network] which is part of CFF [Care for the Family].

Following our son James' death we attended the second BPN Weekend run by CFF in 1999. Due to the support and love we received there we took our first positive step towards the re-building of our lives.

Since then we have joined BPN as volunteers and now help to run 4 x separate days for Parents and 1 x for Families that are held nationally each year: but the real 'nitty gritty' comes about at the residential Weekends. Since 1999, however, only 2 of these Weekends have been held due to lack of funds.

By donating towards this event you are supporting the extremely valuable work of the BPN Weekends in helping other families survive the devastation of losing a precious child, and taking their first step towards what we call a 'New Normal'. Diana and I know the importance of this and thank you so much for your generosity.

Donating through this site is simple, fast and totally secure. It is also the most efficient way to donate: Care For The Family will receive your money electronically and, if you are a UK taxpayer, an extra 28% in Gift Aid will be added to your donation at no cost to you.