The Last 140kms of the
Camino de Santiago
May 29th - June 5th 2010

Join us in May 2010 for the Foundation’s Overseas European Walk which will take place Spain along the Camino from May 30th - June 6th. Our overseas walks provide a great opportunity to raise funds for the Irish Heart Foundation and participate in a once-in-a-lifetime trip to one of the most historic and spiritual walking routes in the world.


About the Walk

This amazing 8 day challenge will involved 6 full days of walking along the historic Camino de Santiago, walking throught the stunning countryside and ancient towns and villages of Galicia in Northern Spain.  


Dates: Saturday, May 29th  – Saturday, June 5th 2010
Duration: 8 days ( 6 full days of walking)  
Length of Walk: 140km

About the Camino...

The Way of St James has existed for over a thousand years and was one of the most important Christian pilgrimages during medieval times. The Camino was considered one of three pilgrimages on which a plenary indulgence could be earned; the others are the Via Francigena to Rome and the pilgrimage to  Jerusalem.

Legend has it that St. James's remains were carried by boat from Jerusalem to northern Spain where they were buried on the site of what is now the city of Santiago de Compostela.  Since then, Santiagos' importance has seldom waned. At the turn of the second millennium it became one of the most popular pilgrimage sites and today it is used by both young and old who walk anything from weekends, to the full length of the Camino.

The last 100km take place exclusively in Galicia, and are a prerequisite for obtaining a certificate as a pilgrim on the Camino de Santiago.

Walk Details (see brochure for further details):

Day 1: Arrive Spain
Day 2: Walk to Monastery of Samos (30 km)
Day 3: Walk to Portomarin ( 21.5km)
Day 4: Walk to Eirext (17.5km)
Day 5: Walk to Melide (22.2km)
Day 6: Walk to Frisalceda  (24.5km)
Day 7: Final day walk to Santiago ( 27km)
Day: 8: Fly Home (opportunity for Sunday Mass in morning)

Fitness Levels

This challenge requires a good level of fitness to walk the route. But don’t worry if you are not so fit at the moment, we will supply you with training information to help you get fit over the coming months.  You will also be able to join your fellow walkers on training walks in the months before the trip.

Accommodation

Accommodation will be in hotels, hostels and standard Camino accommodation on a twin/ triple and dorm share basis.

Why Join our Walk?

The Foundation’s overseas walks are an essential source of charity income, raising over €200,000 annually. This year and next all money raised for the overseas walk will be used to fund the promotion and staffing of our vital National Patient Helpline 1890 432787.

Our National Patient Helpline received almost 2,000 calls in 2008 providing patients and their carers with information, support and peace of mind.  This year our ability to continue to offer this vital service is dependent on the successful fundraising from our overseas walk.   In 2009 we expect calls to our Helpline to continue to grow and we hope to extend the service.   Your help in raising much needed funds will allow the Foundation to continue to offer what one caller described as “lifesaving support”.
 
Why Walking?

Apart from being a brilliant way to see a country, medical evidence suggests that a regular routine of ‘brisk’ walking is the safest, most beneficial and most accessible preventative measure against coronary heart disease. 

Our Experience...

The Irish Heart Foundation has 19 years’ experience in organising overseas sponsored walks in North & South America, Asia, Africa and Europe.  In the past, successful walks have taken place in China, Jordan, South Africa, Argentina, Russia and most recently in India and Sumatra. 

Fundraising

Prior to departure, each participant must raise a minimum of €2,500. We will assist in every way possible, offering a wealth of fundraising ideas and backup support.

The target of €2,500 may be daunting at first glance, but with thought and determination it is not such a difficult figure to raise, as our hundreds of walkers have found over the years.  The Irish Heart  Foundation has a team of experienced fundraisers all over the country ready and willing to help with a plan of action based on your own interests and contacts, and a list of fundraising ideas to work from. 

We will also help with posters, permits, publicity, sponsorship cards and special Overseas Walk raffle tickets.   Why not ask us or our comprehensive list of fundraising ideas,…the list is endless?

SO GO ON…PUT YOUR HEART INTO IT!

If you are interested to know more about our Camino Challenge Charity Walk, please complete the enquiry form or contact Tanya on 01 66 85 001 or tcomber@irishheart.ie