Disabled Camino
Donation protected
My name is Graeme Eric Bolitho. I served in the Army, both in Vietnam and in New Guinea. In Vietnam, (1965/66) 4 platoon, B Company, 1 RAR. We were part of the American 1/73 Airborne Brigade.
You may be familiar with a wonderful, ancient, historic Pilgrims walk to Santiago in Spain. “The CAMINO de Santiago”.
For some years I have been observing friends "walking the Camino". Being on crutches, I have had both a burning desire and disappointment relating to this event. I see the mental and physical benefits that veterans can gain and enjoy. 60 plus years ago walking was one of my greatest joys. Watching the Invictus Games also re-instilled the emotion that Comradery promotes.
Two Americans in 2014 completed a “Camino Frances” of 780 kms. ‘Patrick Grey’ pushed his disabled best friend ‘Justin Skeesuck’ in a wheelchair the whole way. They are now organizing a Camino for veterans and others with a disability. They have called it "Accessible Camino 2019".
It is limited to a small group of 55. I have been selected from Australia to join them.
We will be leaving for Spain in September 2019
Our team of three consists of myself, my wife Sandra, ex-army nurse, as Carer and Tony Jacques, ex- Army Bomb disposal, a Camino devotee, as "Pusher".
The other attendees from other countries (Approximately 13 teams) are all disabled in one form or another, needing wheelchairs etc.
We are aiming at inspiring more veterans to follow the idea. The Invictus Games dramatically shows the need both physical and mental for opportunities like this for the “less able”
We are all pensioners and would greatly appreciate any help offered.
We have already been offered help from Veteran Sports Australia
We need a special ‘cross country’ wheelchair which is being manufactured. A “Melrose Extreme” at a cost of around $9500. This chair will be donated to encourage other Veterans with a disability to join in. It will be left in Santiago for future veterans to use. (The next "Accessible Camino" is in 2020)
There are other expenses which we have begun paying. Airfares, ($2,000 to $6,000 each), prior and after accommodation, meals and the Accessible Camino fee, 3,500 euros per person.
I have never been good at asking for financial assistance. However, any assistance will be greatly appreciated.
Thanking you in advance, Donations may be sent to: Bendigo Bank. BSB 633-000 Acct # 167 771 922
Graeme E. Bolitho MG
PS: We are the only team from Australia In a recent group discussion at the RSL sub- branch, one member asked, “Why take on this task at your age?” the bloke next him stared me straight in the eye and said,” Today is the youngest you are going to be! So, get crackin!”
Backup documents are available on request. Accessible Camino is also online. –See” I’ll Push You TedX” talk on uTube
I am a member of the “Blackheath and Mt Victoria RSL Sub-Branch,” and as is our nature we watch very carefully the return of our young men and women from their current overseas service. I recently heard on the news, that our overseas casualties did not match what has been occurring after our young people have arrived home. There are more suicides than are killed in action.
Whilst we know that our ‘System’ is looking for the best better ways to Council and help “returnees” on talking to some of them personally, I feel an urge to do more.
The biggest step that I found for myself and I see with others, is that that we must accept that it is OK, not to be OK. At this point we can start building.
You may be familiar with a wonderful, ancient, historic Pilgrims walk to Santiago in Spain. “The CAMINO de Santiago”.
For some years I have been observing friends "walking the Camino". Being on crutches, I have had both a burning desire and disappointment relating to this event. I see the mental and physical benefits that veterans can gain and enjoy. 60 plus years ago walking was one of my greatest joys. Watching the Invictus Games also re-instilled the emotion that Comradery promotes.
Two Americans in 2014 completed a “Camino Frances” of 780 kms. ‘Patrick Grey’ pushed his disabled best friend ‘Justin Skeesuck’ in a wheelchair the whole way. They are now organizing a Camino for veterans and others with a disability. They have called it "Accessible Camino 2019".
It is limited to a small group of 55. I have been selected from Australia to join them.
We will be leaving for Spain in September 2019
Our team of three consists of myself, my wife Sandra, ex-army nurse, as Carer and Tony Jacques, ex- Army Bomb disposal, a Camino devotee, as "Pusher".
The other attendees from other countries (Approximately 13 teams) are all disabled in one form or another, needing wheelchairs etc.
We are aiming at inspiring more veterans to follow the idea. The Invictus Games dramatically shows the need both physical and mental for opportunities like this for the “less able”
We are all pensioners and would greatly appreciate any help offered.
We have already been offered help from Veteran Sports Australia
We need a special ‘cross country’ wheelchair which is being manufactured. A “Melrose Extreme” at a cost of around $9500. This chair will be donated to encourage other Veterans with a disability to join in. It will be left in Santiago for future veterans to use. (The next "Accessible Camino" is in 2020)
There are other expenses which we have begun paying. Airfares, ($2,000 to $6,000 each), prior and after accommodation, meals and the Accessible Camino fee, 3,500 euros per person.
I have never been good at asking for financial assistance. However, any assistance will be greatly appreciated.
Thanking you in advance, Donations may be sent to: Bendigo Bank. BSB 633-000 Acct # 167 771 922
Graeme E. Bolitho MG
PS: We are the only team from Australia In a recent group discussion at the RSL sub- branch, one member asked, “Why take on this task at your age?” the bloke next him stared me straight in the eye and said,” Today is the youngest you are going to be! So, get crackin!”
Backup documents are available on request. Accessible Camino is also online. –See” I’ll Push You TedX” talk on uTube
I am a member of the “Blackheath and Mt Victoria RSL Sub-Branch,” and as is our nature we watch very carefully the return of our young men and women from their current overseas service. I recently heard on the news, that our overseas casualties did not match what has been occurring after our young people have arrived home. There are more suicides than are killed in action.
Whilst we know that our ‘System’ is looking for the best better ways to Council and help “returnees” on talking to some of them personally, I feel an urge to do more.
The biggest step that I found for myself and I see with others, is that that we must accept that it is OK, not to be OK. At this point we can start building.
Organizer
Graeme Bolitho
Organizer
Megalong Valley NSW
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