In April I hope to reach the ripe old age of 70. Rather than throw a party, I have decided to challenge myself by setting out on 5^th May 2015 to walk the entire of the Camino de Santiago, a walk of approximately 790 km (490 miles). The walk starts at Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port on the French side of the Pyrenees and goes westward across northern Spain ending in Santiago De Compostela. I would hope to complete the walk in about 36 days. In addition to challenging myself, I am hoping to raise funds for Our Lady's Hospice and Cancer Care.

Every one of us is affected by the impact of cancer on a regular and ongoing basis. In 2012 my brother Sexton died from cancer. He was 69. Late last year my former partner Owen O’Brien died from cancer. He was 68. More recently, Pierce Molony the owner and manager of Thurles Racecourse died from cancer. I have been a friend of the Molony family since my student days in UCD and had my first venture into horse ownership with my fellow student David Molony, a brother of Pierce’s. Pierce was 65 when he died.

Last Easter Sunday my nephew John Cahill died from cancer. John had not yet celebrated his 50^th birthday. He was a young man with diverse interests. He was a teacher, a Gaelic football coach, and a very gifted artist who enjoyed painting the places he loved and subjects close to his heart. When diagnosed with cancer in May 2013 he was actually training for a triathlon. He was enjoying life to the full with his wife Clionagh and their three children, Conall, Tiernan, and Cara.

When speaking with those impacted by cancer, either directly or indirectly, one encounters a common theme. Universally, all speak of the dedication, compassion and care provided by the charities working in the field of cancer care. John enjoyed challenging himself, so I am doing this walk primarily as a tribute to him. However I will also be walking on behalf of these organisations and the excellent work of their staff.

You might consider helping in this regard in any way you see fit. You can make a one off donation. You can sponsor me at so much per mile or per kilometre. You can do this online, via post, or directly to either charity via bank transfer (please reference John Cahill Tribute Walk). The details on how to donate are attached.

You may even like to join me for some of the walk yourself and arrange some personal sponsorship. If you do wish to pursue this option I would refer you to MAP Travel (again, details overleaf) and they will advise you in this regard. The last week of my walk will be the 7^th -13^th June, walking from Sarria to Santiago, a distance of about 110km and is a very enjoyable introduction to the Camino.

I will be reporting regularly on my progress using a variety of social media (Facebook, email etc.). Details of my itinerary, of the charities and how to contribute are attached and all monies raised will go directly to the charities.

Thank you all for your support and I look forward to meeting you soon, on the Camino or otherwise!

Finbar