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I,Will,Challenge the Camino

By Will Bosma Join Me

My Activity Tracking

1,540
kms

My target 12 kms

Please Help Me
Reach My Goal

Raised

$29,421

My Goal

$50,000

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All donations in AUD

My Updates

Camino Completed

Friday 20th Jun
Well, all the training paid off and I was able to complete the Camino. Whilst I 'challenged' the Camino I didn't 'beat' it - the Camino is an experience and a journey that will stay with me forever. It can be very challenging - the first day was the worst and entailed a 1200 metre climb, sleet and 100km winds making it one of the toughest physical things I have ever done. We had other tough days - the longest was 39km and that was exhausting. The climb to O Cebreiro also comes to mind along with the descent into Moilnseca. In fact most injuries on the Camino happen on the descents. 
We were fortunate and suffered no major complaints (and no blisters at all) except for a couple of days of shin splints caused by the unevenness of an old Roman road. And the weather was very kind - 2 days of rain in 6 weeks of walking - and though it was unseasonably cool this was good for walking. 
People ask what was the best part of the Camino - from a scenery point of view the section from Ponferrada to Sarria was the best. But its very difficult to put into words the total experience that the Camino brings.
What changes very quickly is that the goal of reaching Santiago very swiftly fades into the background. What takes over is the journey itself and all the elements it entails. The wonderful people from all parts of the world that you meet along the way. The time you have to contemplate your own life and those around you. The incredible history of the pilgrimage itself and of course the historical sites along the way. Walking is a great way to experience a country - we really became immersed in rural life in northern Spain and the rhythms that haven't changed in hundreds of years. The culture, the food, the wine and much more besides. 
A personal highlight was attending the pilgrims mass in O Cebriero in the oldest church on the path (built in the 800's) and having the opportunity to read the homily in English. I am not a religious person but this was special as was the surprisingly emotional arrival in Santiago de Compestela. And thinking about the difficulties those pilgrims of a thousand years ago faced - they made incredible sacrifices.

Finally, walking the Camino is also my substitute for not being able to do Connors Run this year. So, whilst I did it for personal reasons I also did it for kids who may never get an opportunity to experience the Camino due to their brain cancer. We need to change those outcomes and this can only be done by supporting key programs and research. 

My Camino journey ended up being 821kms (just over 500 miles) and required 1,004,669 steps. This is equivalent to 44 of the longer version of Connors Run and 82 of the shorter version. So I hope this justifies your sponsorship this year

Thank you to my Sponsors

$20k

Will Bosma

$1.02k

Mahau Ma

I am inspired! Best wishes on this journey.

$1,000

Paul Henderson

$770

Terry Tripp

Go get 'em Will! Great cause and an inspirational challenge by you!

$520

Raylene

You are a champion!

$520

Jellie Gauthier

So proud of you!

$520

Peter Shore

Brilliant effort guys, congrats from me and Di

$400

Anonymous

Love this!

$400

Jonathan Stern

Awesome, Will. You got this.

$400

Rose-france Bondarenko

$300

Con Yannakena

Amazing journey Will!!

$250

Dan Bognar

$250

Liz & Scott Dawes

Thank you Will for everything you do for kids with brain cancer. Superhuman effort. Congratulations 🥳 Liz and Scott

$250

David Chao

$206.20

Helen Dean

Wishing you an amazing adventure and all the best Will!

$200

Julian Mcgoldrick

Good on you Will, what an effort. Best of luck and take plenty of rest along the way. Julian

$158.25

Chris Mahoney

Will, Better late than never?! Congrats on your impressive El Camino trek, can't wait to hear about it live!

$106.12

Roger Tregear

I agree with Sharon Good luck Your only as old as you want to be Thanks for showing me that

$106.12

Nathan

Nice one Will! I've always admired your commitment to this cause.

$106.12

Sue Watts

Go well Will ☺️

$106.12

Derek Bartlett

$106.12

Marcus Rossato

Have a great trip Will. Enjoy the walk!

$106.12

Leslie Crowe

Way to go Will! An inspiration as always!

$106.12

Pam Cass

Such an awesome journey you have embarked upon and a wonderful cause you are supporting with steely determination and sheer hard work and effort. Congratulations on what you have achieved so far and for the rest of the journey - the Cass Clan

$106.12

Nic Bishara

Great cause, well done !

$106.12

Elaine Francis

$106.12

Rick Finlay

$100

Royston Lobo

All the best, Will!

$100

Darlene Shum

$100

Liam Auliff

$83.56

Jens Kallmeyer

All the best for this great voyage and the good cauae

$54.12

Leeanne Coghlan

Enjoy your 800kms & 70th birthday day run. It will be amazing running through the countryside of France.

$54.12

John Watson

Hi Will. A great walk and a great cause. I’ve had the pleasure of walking the French Way twice now and I’m sure you will enjoy the challenge and the experience. All the best with your preparation and enjoy your way.

$54.12

Trent Walsh

Good on you, Will, for such a grand undertaking in aide of a great cause. Hope my small contribution helps get you to the goal.

$54.12

Paul Crerand

That should be a nice stroll Will. I watched a documentary of someone doing it, looks like a very nice walk. Wishing you all the very best.

$54.12

Philip Sack

All the very best for the trip Will.

$54.12

Anonymous

I love that you giving back to kid related challenges. Muley4Life

$54.12

Reza Shafii

Go get them Will! Can't wait to hear about the adventure when I am in Sydney next - which should be this summer!

$54.12

Krishnan Ramaswamy

All the best Will. Let me know how you go as i am planning the same trip in 2027

$54.12

Christine Wadley

$54.12

Diane Carter

Good luck Will 🍀🤞🏻

$54.12

Sarah Bryce

Great walk for a great cause!

$54.12

George Bailey

$54.12

Anonymous

$54.12

Dave Gouveia

$54.12

Kristen Efremidis

Well done Will, loved seeing parts of your journey.