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We are raising money for the St Vincent De Paul Society (SVP) by walking 123km to Santiago de Compostela, via the Portuguese route from Baiona in Spain. SVP is a national charity with satellite branches across England and Wales tackling poverty in all its forms.

WE HAVE BEGUN WALKING AND ARE STILL FUNDRAISING!!

We set off with 15 members of the SVP from Baiona in Spain on Sunday April 12th, walking 16.4 miles along the coast to Vigo as our first stop. Yes, we are still fundraising and thank you so much for your generosity. We need just £640 to reach our £3000 target - every little helps.

Towards the end of Day One a member of the group had a fall, badly bruising her chin as she landed heavily on the pavement. She remarkably bounced back, but is taking things more carefully.

Every day we arrive at our hotel at about 4:00 pm, have a shower and relax. Members have an opportunity to attend Mass if they wish, followed by an evening meal. The churches here are quite beautiful and have much history.

On Monday we were further inland and completed the 15.5 mile trip to our next stop at Arcade. This was slightly shorter than the previous day but more challenging terrain, walking off-road uphill from the start.

Unfortunately another member of the group, an 80-year old chap, then had a fall onto the pavement and badly cut his hand. He was strapped up and chose to carry on until the half-way stage before he was able to secure professional medical help. With the Leader helping him, Tom led the group the rest of the way. We hope not to make too much of a habit of falling over!

Overall, the rest of the team are keeping upright!! Carrying the aches and pains from yesterday's introductory stroll, we are gradually getting to know each other and slowly getting into our stride.

Tuesday brought the first rain. We set out brightly enough, but it wasn't long before we all had to re-set our attire to keep the water out. Whilst this Stage was shorter, it was considerable tougher, taking us up into the surrounding hills and along rocky pathways. It took almost as long to cover the 8-miles to Ponteverde as it had done to walk 15.5 miles the previous day!

Our next stop was 14 miles away at Caldas de Reis. A pleasant hike, but we are now beginning to treat new and threatening blisters, and deal with the back, muscle, and tendon aches that go with walking a long distance. We are now also all suffering from fatigue.

One treat at Caldas de Reis is a naturally heated public bath from a local hot spring known as Lavadoiro Termal. Along with other pilgrims we were able to bathe our feet. Wow - that was so good!

One of the group had to pull out for the day due to a troubling back and problematic chest problem.

Thursday 16th, back to full strength, took us to Padron. This has been the best route so far, taking us through beautiful rural Spain where the scenery has been stunning.

We have now split into two smaller groups, with those at the front wanting to get to the destination faster than the rest. Catherine and I are very happy taking things more slowly, soaking up the moment, with the majority.

We are definitely feeling the effects on our feet and ankles now of constant walking. Strapping and plaster preparation at the start of the day are essential, as is a proper cool down and relaxing bath or shower at the end.

Tomorrow is the final leg, 16 miles into Santiago.

Friday, our final day, was punishing! The temperature increased to 23 degrees over 16 miles, blisters had set in, calf muscles tightened up, and feet were generally sore and bruised! We both changed footwear and socks with 3-miles to go. We made it! We are absolutely exhausted!

Thanks to everyone for your incredible support. Your extra donations mean we need just £640 to hit our target! Thank you!!

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SVP supports the poor and vulnerable in local communities and spends precious time with people. Their work includes visiting the sick and lonely, providing free meals for the needy, providing medical care and running community centres. SVP aims to empower people to find employment and education and campaigns for social justice.

Locally we provide food, essentials and support, aiming to help those in need. We work closely with Lord’s Larder to support those whose situation has become desperate. We provide one-off donations of support, which might be just enough to help someone turn the corner, such as when we gave a microwave to a person who had no cooking facilities. We do shopping for those who have mobility issues and offer practical support.

Your donation will directly help those in need.