A dedicated group of local charity supporters has completed an arduous 100 kilometre trek along the world famous Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route in northern Spain, raising an outstanding £58,109.55 for Weldmar Hospicecare – enough to fund the charity’s Inpatient Unit in Dorchester for a week.
Battling heavy rain, blisters, and winding mountain paths, the fundraisers walked the final stretch of the iconic trail from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela.
Many of the participants – who began as strangers and bonded as they walked in memory of loved ones cared for by Weldmar – had been training and raising sponsorship for a year to complete the challenge.
Reverend Mark Brown took part and said, “There were many tears along the way but also much laughter. Oh, how we laughed and giggled through our heartache. We completed our journey having found new friends – friends who know the messy bits of our lives and love us more because of them.”
Bex Hawker added: “What an incredible sense of achievement entering the square at Santiago Cathedral. My greatest thanks to a fantastic bunch of fellow trekkers who made this journey so special. Feeling proud, grateful, and emotional to have completed this amazing adventure. Memories that will stay with me forever!”
Summing up the team’s accomplishment, Clare Dunster from Weldmar, who led the expedition, said: “When they discovered their total, the team were elated. They all understand the true value of their fundraising and sponsorship in supporting patients and their families at their most difficult times, each bringing their own personal experiences of the care and support that Weldmar provides. A huge thank you to every single one of them. We are so proud of their efforts!”
As an independent charity, Weldmar Hospicecare relies on the local community for 83% of its funding to ensure all specialist care services remain free of charge. These funds support inpatient care at the hospice, local Specialist Hospice at Home hubs across Dorset, therapies, bereavement support and counselling, and more.
If you’ve been inspired to lace up your boots, make lasting memories, and support a vital local cause, then Weldmar Hospicecare is officially inviting adventurous fundraisers to join their next exciting Overseas Challenge to Cambodia in November 2027. Find the details at weldmarhospicecare.org/events
