Walking El Camino Solo to Raise Money for Charity

Hi, my name is Marie Theresa and I am planning to walk solo the El Camino, CAMINO INGLÉS, in Spain, 31st July - 5th August 2024. My aim is to raise as much money as possible for three charities close to my heart, Alzheimer's Society, The Endometriosis Foundation and UNICEF.

I have decided to walk the El Camino from Ferrol to Santiago de Compostela solo, finishing the last leg of the walk on the eve of my 40th birthday. I will walk 117km, roughly 73 miles in 5 days.

This time last year, I was in hospital for long stays, severely unwell on opioids and I would like to set myself this challenge to firstly show gratitude to the amazing surgeon who did my big surgery, who gave me my life back again. But also, to honour the resilience of my body, and to set this physical challenge for myself, at the beginning of the journey to building strength and health again. I love planning walks and the endurance involved in the longer solo hikes. This is just the beginning :)

Secondly, to the caring nurses at East Surrey hospital and the lady I met whilst in hospital, on one of my longer stays, who gave me such joy each day (she was a patient in the bed next to mine on a six bed ward).

Thirdly, to my loved ones. I would like to show a deep appreciation for the support I receive from these people every day. I hope I can continue to offer the same back.

Lastly and mostly importantly, to these causes that I care deeply about. Instead of celebrating my birthday, I would like to raise as much money as possible for these three charities. It feels deeply important to do something during these terrible times. The reason I have chosen these charities are because:

UNICEF - It seems vital to be able to support children during and after humanitarian emergencies which are happening right now. It is absolutely heartbreaking what is happening in the world at the moment.

The Endometriosis Foundation - I had a big surgery just under a year ago, and I feel very grateful for the care I was able to access. This has not always been the case. The NHS has ranked endometriosis as one of the 20 most painful conditions. It is a full body disease, with currently no cure. Often patients are not listened to and the disease can spread to organs and lead to organ failure. There is a vast amount of misinformation about this life changing disease, even in medical practice. I would like to be able to support more research in this much needed field of medical practice and help other sufferers of this debilitating disease. This walk will also be a way to honour and say thank you to the amazing endometriosis community that I have met over the years.

Alzheimer's Society - to support those very dear and close to me who suffer from Alzheimers and Dementia, to not only support the person with the disease but those who care for them.

All the money will go to these charities. I will share the amounts sent to each charity at end. I will also share updates along the walk @mtcdigitalcreative on Instagram and FB and Marie Theresa Crick on Linkedin.