This September I’ll be walking the Camino de Santiago Frances, starting in the Pyrenees and walking approximately 790 kms/490 miles to Santiago de Compostela.

The Camino is a personal journey for me, but I’ve decided to dedicate this walk to something very close to my heart — the animals at PAWS/PATAS - the rescue shelter in Spain, where I volunteer.

Volunteering with animals has been one of the most meaningful parts of my life. I’ve been fortunate enough to volunteer twice in the Galápagos Islands, and now I spend my time helping at PAWS/PATAS in Almería. Seeing abandoned and neglected animals cared for by dedicated volunteers has made me realise how much support shelters need just to provide food, veterinary treatment, medication, and a safe place for animals to recover.

I’ve completed several shorter Camino walks before, but this will be my biggest Camino challenge. Over the course of the journey I’ll be walking hundreds of kilometres, carrying everything I need on my back, and I hope that each step can also help raise funds for the animals who are waiting for safety, care, and loving homes.

I'd also like to say a heartfelt thank you to my personal trainer Geoff - gcfitness@pt_fitness and to my bodywork & energy healing practitioner Nikki - Freespiritmovement.org for their support, encouragement, and belief in me. They have both helped me prepare for this journey, physically and emotionally, and I’m deeply grateful for everything they’ve done.

I am funding the walk myself so if you’re able to support my walk, no matter how small, all of the donation, will go directly towards helping PAWS/PATAS continue its vital work.

https://paws-patas.org

If donating isn’t possible for you right now, I completely understand. Sharing this fundraiser with your friends and family would mean the world to me. Every share helps spread the word, and together we can make a real difference for the animals.

Thank you so much for your support, encouragement, and for caring about these animals as much as I do.

Paula