I was inspired by a film I saw a couple of years ago called  'The Way' which stars Martin Sheen and directed by Emilio Estevez.  Its a deep character and life study that is set around a walk accross Spain called the Camino de Santiago. It is an inspiring and uplifting film; The walk is a pilgrimage undertaken by many people of all ages and nationalities every year and has existed for over 1000 years.

One of the routes (Camino Frances) starts from France (Saint Jean Pied de port) at the foot of the pyranees in then ascends  4000 feet into Spain and winds its way accross the whole of Northern Spain finishing in Santiago in the North west.  In total the walk is over 500 miles long and will take around a month to complete at an average of 15-17 miles a day.  Accomodation is in hostels (which are not pre bookable) and I'll be walking on my own carrying arround between 9 and 9.5 Kilos.

I'm currently walking three times a week (about 12 - 15 miles per walk) and that will increase to four walks by mid march.  Flights are booked for the 23rd April returning on the 1st June and I'm slowly putting the gear I need together to ensure the weight I carry is below 10 Kilos.

I've decided to raise money for the Point Foundation.  

The Point Foundation is a hands on charity helping vulnerable children and youth in impoverished areas of Africa and Rwanda.

In 2014 the Foundation rescued 24 young people with severe disabilities from a badly run orphanage that was closing down near the Congo border in Rwanda.  For years the 24 vulnerable youth were hidden in the institution, neglected and traumatised.  Disability is seen as a shameful stigma in Rwanda, a country struggling to recover from an appalling genocide and civil wars.

With no one else to care for them, the Point Foundation funding now provides 4 small family homes with full time trained carers, based right in the community, not hidden away.  Funds ensure medication, food and equipment, to improve their life quality and dignity.  Without donations, these disabled young people would simply not survive.