To mark my 70th birthday on 12th May 2026, I have decided to undertake a personal trek by walking the last 100km (72 miles) of the Camino Way to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Spain, starting in Sarria, Galicia.

In my medical career, I have worked to provide the best care that I can and improve the diagnosis, treatment and journey of those with often heart-breaking conditions, especially cancer. Medical and cancer charities are high profile and attract many fundraising efforts. However, I feel compelled to shine a light on a less publicized yet important charity, Refuge.

Refuge provides vital information, support, and safe spaces for women experiencing domestic abuse. This journey is not just for me, it is in recognition of all the women I have encountered—friends, family, colleagues and those whose stories I have read about or heard about in court.

I am fundraising for those I may never meet, and to support Refuge in empowering women so they can live in safety and rebuild their lives free from fear; live the lives they deserve.

The statistics are staggering: one in four women will experience domestic abuse at some point in their lives, and tragically, on average, one woman is killed every five days in England and Wales at the hands of a current or former partner.

Refuge is the largest single provider of specialist services to survivors of domestic, sexual, and gender-based abuse. Refuge operates a freephone, 24-hour National Domestic Abuse Helpline that serves as a crucial first step for women seeking to escape abusive situations.

By kindly sponsoring me you will be helping to save and change the lives of thousands of women and their children.

Your support means everything,

Thank you, Mandy.