For many years I have felt drawn to take the pilgrim path or camino to the tomb of St James The Apostle in the magnificent cathedral of Santiago de Compostella in northern Spain. It started as a curiosity with the reasons why thousands of believers and unbelievers alike embark on this challenge every year until it finally grew into a determination to find some answers by doing it myself. 

Among those who are seasoned walkers of the Camino there is a shared belief that the pilgrimage begins as soon as you make the decision to do it. If this is true then my pilgrim journey began in 2015 when I read a newspaper article that listed ten reasons why you must undertake this journey. The first of these simply said 'Procrastination - you've been thinking about doing it for years. Now is the time. This is the moment". 

That was impetus enough for me and so it comes to pass that on Monday 6 June 2016 I will step out for Santiago and Tearfund  - a charity that is transforming the lives of millions across the world. 

There's many Camino ways to follow and I've opted for The English/Irish Way - the traditional path woven by English and Irish pilgrims in the earliest days of this ancient route. It's 120 km or 75 miles but I've decided to add another 25 miles by doing some extra walking to get to my starting point in Ferrol on the north coast of Spain and some more when I reach Santiago five days later. That will round it off nicely to 100 miles in total and makes it feel like more of a challenge. 

I'm also hoping it will tempt you to sponsor me to the tune of £1 per mile to donate £100 to Tearfund. Or 50p per mile for a £50 donation, or 20p per mile for £20.  Please give what you can and make those inevitable blisters worthwhile!