Newtownabbey gym friends tackling Camino in aid of charity close to participant's heart
A group of friends brought together by early mornings at a Newtownabbey gym are preparing to take on a section of the Camino de Santiago in aid of Dementia NI.
Calling themselves ‘The Valley Camino Crazies’, the team of 16 will follow a route from Portugal through northern Spain over seven days this June, with 11 of them raising vital funds to support people living with dementia.
The idea was first proposed by group member Louise Shearer from Carrickfergus and quickly gathered momentum among her fellow gym-goers at Valley Leisure Centre.
Louise said: “I really wanted to do something for Dementia NI as my mum passed away 10 years ago after living with Lewy Body dementia. I wanted to do something positive in my mum’s memory and everyone was more than happy to support Dementia NI.”
The group, who hail from the Glengormley and Newtownabbey areas, have built a strong friendship through training together at the gym. One member is currently preparing from home in Galway, with the team set to meet her for the first time at Dublin Airport before travelling on together.
Dementia NI is a charity that empowers its members, who are all living with dementia, to live well, have their voices heard and drive positive change for everyone living with the condition across Northern Ireland.
Katrina Hughes, donor engagement lead for Dementia NI, said: “We are incredibly grateful to Louise and the team for taking on such an inspiring challenge in support of our work.
"We rely on the generosity and kindness of community fundraisers just like Louise and the team to deliver our vital peer support services across Northern Ireland.
"We wish the whole team the very best with their training, fundraising and their Camino journey in June – we look forward to hearing all about it.”
The team have meeting several times a week for demanding circuit sessions with one member having already completed a Camino.
Louise added: “Laurence, who takes our class, really pushes us to our limits. He’s not a professional trainer, just a great friend who motivates us and brings everyone together. That sense of camaraderie is what makes this group so special.”
If you would like to support the team, you can donate via JustGiving at Valley Camino Crazies is fundraising for Dementia NI.