Rebecca’s Camino challenge set to honour sister’s memory
A Newry woman is set to honour her sister’s memory by taking part in a poignant pilgrimage, raising funds for vital hospice services.
Rebecca Cassidy is part of a 17-strong Evora Hospice team heading to Spain next month to take on the Camino de Santiago trek.
The group will be walking 114km, from Sarria to Santiago de Compostela, over six days. Mum-of-one Rebecca, who works for a local IT firm, said the trekkers were “very excited and raring to go”.
“A few of the team have done the walk with Evora in previous years, so it has been lovely to hear their experience along with some do’s and don’ts,” she said.
“I think our longest day of walking is around 24km on day two. There will be stops, of course, for a much-needed refuel and to give the feet a break.
“Along the way, we need to collect at least two stamps per day in our pilgrim passports, which are available in local churches, cafes, shops etc. This validates our journey and allows us to receive our Compostela certificate at the end.”
Rebecca is looking forward to getting to know the group she will be travelling with, and the people she will meet along the way.
“There are so many people from different walks of life taking on the Camino, all with their own stories and special intentions. I think this is so special.
“I’ve never done anything like this before, but it is made all the more special because I’m doing it for my own special intention, whilst also being able to raise funds for a charity that is vital to my local community.”
Rebecca shared: “My sister Sarah passed away in tragic circumstances in 2004 when she was just 19 years old.
“Something that has always stuck with me was the support that my family and I received from the local community at the most difficult time of our lives.
“I’ve always wanted to do something to honour her memory, whilst also being able to give back to the community in some capacity, and I thought that the Camino walk for Evora would be the perfect opportunity.”
The participants have a fundraising target of £6,000, but she added: “I am hoping we can get a little bit more than this with the events that we’ve planned over the next few weeks.
“We will be out in force with our collection buckets in Newry on Friday, May 1, so if you see us, give us a big wave and don’t be afraid to say hello!
"There is also a page for donations at www.justgiving.com/page/rebeccas-camino-2026.
"All donations, no matter how small, add up and would be greatly appreciated.
“I’d also like to thank businesses who have taken collection boxes: Stephen and Rebecca, The Copper Lab, Banbridge; Sean, Nine Squared, Newry; Katie and Jennifer, Folks Coffee, Banbridge; and Johnny, Derrybeg Shop, Newry.
“A final ‘thank you’ to EOS IT Solutions, Banbridge and Est.28, Newry, for helping out with fundraising events too.”
Speaking on behalf of Evora Hospice, Siobhan McArdle, Fundraising Manager, said: "We wish Rebecca and everyone taking part in our Camino trek this May the very best of luck.
"We are incredibly grateful to them.”