Olywn’s Spanish charity walks aids Action Cancer

Olywn’s Spanish charity walks aids Action Cancer

25 July 2012

A DOWNPATRICK woman has successfully walked a stretch of the legendary Camino de Santiago in Spain to raise funds for Action Cancer.

Olwyn McColl has just returned from the fundraiser having taken on the challenge of one of the world’s most famous pilgrim trails which has existed for over 1,000 years.

The Camino de Santiago — or The Way of St James — stretches hundreds of miles from all corners of Europe and leads to the stunning cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia where the remains of the apostle St. James are said to be buried.

Olwyn’s route boasted beautiful scenery, challenging trekking and a fascinating new insight into a traditional way of life. Along with 14 other Northern Ireland trekkers, her adventure began and ended in Sarria and covered approximately 130km of undulating landscape in total.

In inclement conditions, including driving rain for two solid days, the group hiked an average of 21 kilometres daily for six days to reach their destination and collect their pilgrim certificates, or compostelas.

“Although it was tough going at times, I thoroughly enjoyed taking part in the trek. I met some terrific people and got to enjoy a taste of the real Spain,” explained Olwyn.

The Downpatrick woman trained for over a year in preparation for the trek alongside the challenge of raising at least £2,600 in sponsorship. To help meet the target, she held various fundraising events including bag packs at the Asda and B&M stores in Downpatrick.

She continued: “I received funds from a non-uniform day at Our Lady and St Patrick’s Primary School and a generous donation from the Central Bar Punters’ Club, as well as sponsorship from colleagues and customers at McCartan’s hairdressers.”

Olwyn added: “This trek has been a great experience for me and I am grateful for the opportunity to help Action Cancer with their awareness campaign.

“I would encourage others to take part in these events as you really do get an immense sense of achievement and satisfaction from doing something to help others. I would also like to say a huge thank you to everyone who sponsored and supported me in this venture.”

Lyn Palmer, Action Cancer Events & PR Officer congratulated Olwyn and everyone else who took part in the Camino trek.

She added: “At Action Cancer, our mission is to save lives and support people in Northern Ireland affected by cancer. One in three people here will be affected by cancer at some stage in their lifetime.

“In addition to our early detection service, we provide counselling and complementary therapies to help people deal with their own diagnosis, as well as for anyone supporting a loved one on their cancer journey.”