A HUGE "Thank You" to all my family and friends who have made a donation so far, and I hope to thank you in person. If you have donated anonymously, then I thank you through this page.

Not forgetting, of course the, lovely customers from Tidworth Leisure Centre who have rallied behind me!

I am adding a daily diary entry to keep everyone up to speed with our progress- just scroll down to the bottom of this page to see the latest!

We have reached the magic £1000 (plus gift aid!), but let's keep going-It is such a worthy cause to support. And please do add your own personal words of encouragement. Every single donation, no matter how small, and your messages of support, mean the world to me!

Help us on our Pilgrimage....wish us "¡Buen Camino!"

Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

I am joining up with six other ladies " of a certain age" to walk the Camino Inglés from Ferrol to Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Northern Spain. Since the distance is more than 100 km, we qualify as "pilgrims" on the Camino de Santiago, and will earn our "Compostela" certificate by getting our log books stamped along the route and finally reaching the shrine of St James in the Cathedral at journey's end..

We are raising funds in aid of DAVSS. This is a charity which supports the victims of Domestic Abuse and their families.

Our group leader, had the idea of walking the Camino for DAVSS, since her own daughter, Louise, tragically lost her life as a victim of domestic violence, and the charity continues to provide support in her fight for justice for her daughter.

It is now 5 years since I was fortunate enough to receive a double hip replacement on the NHS. 72 miles in 6 days will be a true test of the surgeon's work!

We are all self funding our travel and accommodation costs- so you can be assured that any donation you make goes directly to support this wonderful charity.

Monday 14th Oct.

After a VERY early flight from STANSTEAD airport, we arrived in Ferrol., our start point for the Camino Inglés. A few of us decided to go and explore this ancient port, and recce where we need to go to begin our trek tomorrow and get the first stamp in our Pilgrims passport. An early night now beckons!

Tuesday 15th Oct

Finally at 10.30 am, after a hearty breakfast, many team photos, a group prayer and blessing - we got on our way! It was overcast and drizzly, but too warm for waterproofs in my book, so I toughed it out in a single layer that soon dried when the rain eased. It took us a couple of hours to get out of the built up area. Ferrol has a port and a huge Naval base. It was from here that the Ill fated Spanish Armada set sail for England in 1588. Once out of town we followed the inlets of the estuary round to Neda and the end of the first leg. As we waited for the taxi to take us to our overnight accommodation yours truly fished out my "special" systema bottle from my day sack, filled with vino tinto. Everyone appreciated at little lubrication to mark the end of the first day's walking!

Weds 16th Oct

Another 14 km today- but included a long climb up and over a headland to get to Pontdeume- a beautiful little town on the River Eume. We started off in drizzle, with temps in the low 20s. The sun appeared early afternoon and by the time we reached the beach on the outskirts of Pontdeume-, it was warm enough to tempt us to a dip in the sea, along with a picnic of grapes, cheese crisps and wine- enough to fortify us for the final push, over the bridge to our hostel for the night. Managed to visit the cathedral dedicated to Saint James before a splendid supper of local fishy specialities.

Thurs 17th Oct

We walked 16 miles today, with a lot of steep hills en route! After heavy rain the sun put in an appearance and as the weather is still in the low 20's I was pleased I had deployed my shorts ( with a shell design fabric) as the walking outfit of the day. We stopped for an amazing chocolate and churros- in Miño, where I also took a photo of Lou wearing her DAVS top, posing under a huge banner that proclaimed " stop male violence " . We also chatted with a young Spanish chap in the cafe, who told us he now volunteered with a local charity supporting victims of abuse ( as a child he had suffered at the hands of an abusive father). Walked through stunning coastal hills and took some spectacular views. Made it into Betanzos-, a pretty Galician town, by 6 pm.

Friday 18th 0ct

Supposedly the toughest day,- we walked another 16 miles over some incredibly steep hills , got a selection of stamps for our "credenciales" and rocked up in Bruma by 18.30. We return there tomorrow after our night in a hotel in Leida. Can't say I'm

sorry the worst day is over! Feet still attached and no blisters yet!

.Saturday 19th Oct

Soooooo tired! Walked another 17 miles today, much easier terrain, but some boring bits along a main road were hard going.Think we were still tired from the day before.

We three got to Sigûeira about 5pm, missed the turn for the hotel, so carried on to the Town Hall ( end of leg) and got a kindly bar- lady to phone us a taxi. Naturally we had to have a round of beers whilst we were waiting! We will return to start where we left off in the morning.

Only 10 more miles to Santiago. Should get there tomorrow about 2 pm all being well.

Sunday 20th Oct hi

We found a fab place for lunch- all feeling very tired, after a morning walking in wind and rain- so indulged in some delicious Spanish bocadillos and a hot drink as a pick me up.It started to brighten up after so the waterproofs went away. Pleasant scenery through an ancient wood, gave way to the urban sprawl of Santiago. Our hearts lifted at the sight of the twin towers of the cathedral. 15 minutes of zig zagging through the medieval streets and we reached out journey's end: the steps of the cathedral. A very emotional moment. We had done it! Then on to the pilgrim's reception centre to get our final stamp and collect our " Compostela" certificates. Our hotel, a former monastery , was just close by. After a quick shower, we attended the pilgrims' mass in the cathedral. It was standing room only, but impressive nevertheless. A lucky find, the restaurant Sant -Yago provided a splendid repast. Off to bed now- lovely not to have to get up early- ready for a day's r & r and exploring.