I'm fundraising to fight MS!
I'm about to embark on a journey that goes beyond my own footsteps. I'm stepping onto The Camino Frances, a famous pilgrimage route that stretches almost 800 kilometers from St Jean Pied de Port in France to Santiago de Compostela in Spain. And guess what? I'll be walking 20 kilometers a day for about six weeks beginng April 4.
Now, why am I putting myself through this incredible challenge? Well, I have Multiple Sclerosis (MS), and this journey is not just about me—it's about supporting others living with MS and making sure they don't have to face it alone. I will turn 60 this year and I would not have be able to even consider this challenge without the help of the MS society over the 35 years I have lived with MS.
The Camino officially kicks off in the Basque region at the foothills of the Pyrenees. As I weave through the historic trails and picturesque landscapes, I'm carrying not just my own struggles with MS but also the hopes and dreams of those who share this journey.
Living with MS is tough. The daily battles, the unpredictability—it can be overwhelming. But this pilgrimage is more than a personal challenge; it's my way of raising funds and awareness for MS Queensland. Every step I take is a symbol of solidarity, and every kilometre covered is a shout-out to the strength and resilience of the MS community.
Now, I'm reaching out to you to join me on this adventure. Your support means everything. Your contribution will directly impact the lives of individuals living with MS, providing them with essential support services, resources, and a sense of community.
Here's how you can be part of this incredible journey:
Please donate generously, your caring financial support will make a real difference in the lives of those living with MS.
Spread the word: Share my story and fundraising campaign on your social media. Let's get more people on board!
Create Awareness: MS Queensland is more than an organisation; it's a lifeline. Help us raise awareness about MS and the support services available.
Walk with Me in Spirit: Follow my journey on social media, send words of encouragement, and let me know that I'm not alone in this meaningful endeavour.
This pilgrimage is a testament to the strength within all of us. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the lives of those affected by MS. So, whether you're able to donate, share my story, or offer some words of encouragement, every bit counts.
Thank you for your incredible support of my journey and MS Queensland.
Did you know:
- On average, more than 10 Australians are diagnosed with MS every week
- The average age of diagnosis is just 30 years of age.
- Three out of four Australians with MS are women
Your support will help fund essential services like physiotherapy, occupational therapy, counselling and symptom management, as well as MS research to look for better treatments and ultimately a cure for the disease.
Please DONATE to help ensure no Queenslander faces MS alone.
My Updates
Finally
Friday 24th May Walked up to the Cathedral in Santiago today after 44 days, 790km and over 1200000 steps. One goal reached! Haven’t quite made my target of $5000 for the MS Society but there’s still time. Thanks to all my fellow walkers, Richard, Angela, Jenny and Steve who did some sections with me. Also thanks to all my donors and Facebook friends for your encouragement and support. Now I’m going to sleep in- if I can!
One more day
Thursday 23rd May Just 20 km to go to reach my goal. I am in the albergue Cruceiro in O Pedrouzo tonight. I had my last shower in an albergue and used my sarong towel for the last time. Last night sleeping in a shared with about 50 other people! Strangely I will miss it all!
100km to go
Sunday 19th May I passed the 100 km to go marker yesterday afternoon! I can’t believe I’ve walked 790km. Yesterday was hard because it rained a lot so we were wet all day. But we stayed in a lovely albergue with hot showers a wood fire and a delicious dinner.
200km to go
Tuesday 14th May I am in Ponferrado now, a bit over 200 km to go. I was a bit sick in Leon a week ago and it’s taken me a while to get back to normal. Not the MS just a very annoying virus that caused lots of vomiting and put me off my food for 4-5 days. I ended up taking buses for a few days as I wasn’t feeling strong enough to walk but didn’t want to get behind. All good now though, back to eating and walking. The last couple of days were a bit hard- lots of downhill on rocky uneven goat tracks. Just took it slow and steady.,
Leon
Sunday 5th May Arrived in Leon yesterday and am having a couple of rest days. Went to the beautiful Cathedral. Had to buy some new shoes, they had worn a hole right through to the back of the heel. But just in the right one! Mind you they have done 800km since I bought them. Bought the same model, Hoka Speedgoats, now I have a couple of days general walking to wear them in before I’m back on the trail.
Half way
Saturday 4th May I am at Sahagun now which is halfway to Santiago. The weather is supposed to improve soon. It has been freezing in the mornings and cold clear days. Great walking weather. No mishaps although my wrist is still too sore to let me carry the big pack so I’m having it transported to each hotel which is easy and cheap but not what I wanted to do. I have almost finished walking the Meseta which is the high flat area between Burgos and Leon. Wide open endless wheat fields. Very green at the moment. I’m looking forward to getting to Leon which has a beautiful cathedral.
200km done
Wednesday 24th Apr I am in Santa Domingo after a night in Azofra where I spent a great night in the municipal Alburgue there and had a great meal out at a local restaurant with a group of fellow pilgrims. Today was the coldest walking day I think. It began as a balmy 2 degrees and didn’t get much above 11. Thanks Jan for your jacket you gave me it was brilliant! It will be a chilly 1 tonight but warming up to a partly cloudy 13 tomorrow! Hopefully it will warm up a bit as I head further west!
Rest day
Saturday 20th Apr 20/04 Rest day in Logroño. Last night it was party central near our accomodation so we went and joined them. Had the best pork crackling, beautiful red wine and delicious jamón.
18/04 Monjardín to Torres del Rio 22kn
Friday 19th Apr Long day today, stayed out cold but we were peeling off the layers by the end. Beautiful walk through green and yellow fields edged with wildflowers- red poppies and purple irises!
Day 2
Wednesday 17th Apr After great shared Pilgrims dinner and breakfast onward and upward. Another 700 mtrs then the downhill starts. Just took it slow and used my poles. 16 kms to arrive at Roncesvalles monastery. Shared dinner then pilgrims mass in a 12 th century church, then bed!
It begins
Wednesday 17th Apr Couldn’t start Tuesday as the mountain route was closed due to snow but we hadn’t planned on leaving till Wednesday anyway. Wednesday was beautiful, cool and crisp to start out, then blue skies and sunny. Climbed up a up very steep for 700 mtrs over 8kms, fabulous views over green pastures with mountain sheep and sturdy horses. Finally reached Orison where stopped for some soup before doing another Km to our accomodation at Borda.
Pamplona
Wednesday 17th Apr Had my hand stitches out, all good. Bought my rain poncho and all ready to go to St Jean Pied de Port tomorrow.
The story so far.
Wednesday 17th Apr Sorry for not posting for those not on Facebook. We arrived in Madrid and after a long sleep dove into the Madrid nightlife enjoying some tapas and Vermouth before catching a train to Pamplona for more of the same.
Take off
Thursday 4th Apr Checked in and through security. Madrid here I come.
Setback
Friday 29th Mar Fell over this morning when I was holding a glass jar-,5 stiches in my little finger. At least I didn’t break anything except the jar! It won’t delay anything. Plans to leave next Thursday still on track.
19 days to go
Saturday 16th Mar It’s finally v CB oiled off and I’m well enough to get some testing in. Did Parkrun with a full pack this morning. 🎒
29 days till I leave
Wednesday 6th Mar The time is just rushing away. I lost a week to Covid so that’s thrown a spanner in the works re training. But I’m better now and pulling on the boots for a walk tomorrow. I’ve got some catching up to do but thankfully it is cooling down a bit now.Thank you to my Sponsors
$800
Neil Mclachlan-troup
$700
Anderson/drum Clan
You’re an amazing person Leah and your dedication and passion are truly inspiring. We wish you all the very best on your Camino pilgrimage. Take care and we look forward to hearing about your travels.
$500
Genevieve Davies
Hi Leah, So very proud of you, walking the Camino is an extraordinary experience for anyone, the simple fact that you are doing it after diagnosis 35 years ago is inspirational. Genxx
$250
Eleanore And Tim Farndon
Amazing Leah 🤩 what an achievement we’re so proud of you xxx
$200
Sarsh James
Hi Leah, Best wishes for your camino! Your beautiful words really resonated with me, Take care. Sarah
$200
Michael Bland
Good luck Leah. Take care and don’t push too hard. It will be a great experience
$200
Anonymous
Awesome work Cuddles. Your determination to smile & keep going all these years has been a privilege to witness. No one else could have put up with Ricky that long. Enjoy your success. Love The Godfather
$200
Cheryl And Greg
Words cannot express how proud we are of you Leah. We are all excited to watch you on your new adventure. You are tremendously inspiring and this achievement shows your courage and strength. Stay safe, have fun and enjoy every moment!
$107
A Harty
You are an inspiration Leah - we really look forward to following your adventure. Angela and Gerry xxx
$107
Angela Hume
You are an inspiration Leah. I am very lucky to be sharing the start of this amazing journey with you, and wish you all the best for the pilgrimage. What a fabulous way to mark your 60th year and celebrate the simple act of walking!
$107
Anonymous
$107
Angelia Shi
$107
Angela Hatfield
Hi, I see you at parkrun all the time….had no idea you’ve been living with MS for so long😘. I wish you all the best for this impressive challenge you’ve set for yourself. Looks like you are well on your way of reaching your fundraising goal! Good luck🍀 YOU GO GIRL!!!
$107
Judy Rimmelzwaan
Hi Leah you are an inspiration to many and I wish you all the best on your journey 🙏 I’ll look forward to following your travels in The hope I’ll do it myself one day , Judy
$107
Paul Mcguire & Lisa Van Moolenbroek
Well done Leah! I hope you have a great trip!
$100
Lynne Siejka
Congratulations Leah, awesome effort!
$100
Anonymous
$100
Kerry Gallagher
You are an absolute inspiration Leah. I commend you for your enthusiasm and determination to walk the Camino. I wish you good health in order to complete this challenging goal and I’ll be with you all the way. Sending love and blessings, Kerry (Gallagher)
$75
Nev Quick
Go well Leah!!!!!
$75
Allison Crowe
Congratulations Leah, you are incredible and truely inspiring. I have loved following your journey. Can’t wait to see you at parkrun to give you a hug xx
$65
Anonymous
What an incredible adventure. Wishing you all the best for your journey and your fundraising.
$65
Ruth Leveson
Leah What an amazing effort. Look forward to hearing about your adventure. Hope the fundraising exceeds target.
$65
Jules Allen
You inspire us all Leah!! I’m in awe of you taking on this challenge and cannot wait to follow your journey! X 🩷
$65
Sue Vittori
Hi Leah, So inspired to read about your courageous journey - the one behind and the one ahead. I’ll never forget our epic journey working together to plan for moving Phar Lap from the old state museum to Melbourne Museum in 2000 🙂 Go well, Sue Vittori (nee Hobbs) [Guess what … I’m back working at MV!! 🙃]
$50
Liz Barnett
Wow! Congratulations on finishing the Camino de Santiago. It's been so much fun following your journey, will miss the updates. Enjoy that sleep in xxx
$50
Sue Priston
An amazing achievement,Leah. Thanks for sharing your journey on Facebook
$50
Ann Dowd
Hi Leah We wish you success, good health and enjoyment on your long trek, you've worked hard for it Ann & Chris
$50
Zoe Iversen
$50
Jo Thomasson
Good luck Leah. I can't wait to see your updates.
$50
Lesley Gregoire
Good Luck Leah
$50
Meredith Edwards
Can't wait to follow you along on your camino journey Leah! One step at a time. Chook x
$50
Judy Mcdougall
Congratulations Leah👏👏👏 I have enjoyed reading your daily updates and photos of your courageous journey walking the Camino. You are an inspiration!
$47
Jill Duffield
Well done Leah! Enjoy the amazing experience. Love Jill
$36
Maree Moscato
Well done Leah. 😘
$36
Mark
$36
Nola Droop
$36
Belinda Turnbull
I’m so proud of you Leah. Looking forward to following your experience on Facebook.
$36
Anonymous
$36
Anonymous
Best of luck
$36
Anonymous
$36
Kristy Bushnell
You're such an inspiration, Leah!
$25
Kerrie Mills
Enjoy every step of the way Leah. A fabulous adventure raising funds for MS. You go girl!
$25
Ally Walburn
$25
Anonymous
Inspirational!!!
$25
Susie Richards
Huge effort Leah!
800kms! That’s a million steps for a short-ass! Leah, you’re such an inspiration. You still amaze me even after having the privilege of knowing you for so long. Good luck! I hope the tears on the way are tears of joy at the end. xxx