Do you remember the famous five who took on the El Camino last year for Kilbryde Hospice and all the wonderful people they meant on their trek?

 Violet, Bonnie, Katie, Alan & Margaret Mary

Kilbryde Hospice’s 2018 El Camino de Santiago de Compostela recruits (Bonnie, Katie, Violet, Alan & Margaret Mary) were lucky enough to “bump” into an inspirational couple John & Joy Royce on Day 4 of our trek in A Rua (Hotel O Pino). John, supported by Joy, is inspirational as despite suffering with a life-limiting illness himself has so much energy and enthusiasm for life he put some of us to shame as we compared our collective blisters. Thanks to continued good health, 2019 has allowed them to complete the Camino Frances end to end from St Jean Pied-de-Port to Santiago de Compostela (approx. 800kms) which took over 30 days. We shared a small sangria with them in the garden of O Pino guest house, forged some long-lasting friendships, and we are grateful of their continued generosity towards Kilbryde Hospice. We wish then all the best with their continued fundraising for Bloodwise.

Violet, Margaret Mary, Alan, Bonnie, Joy, John and Katie

John and Joy have sent us a few word…

“It was a chance encounter in June 2018, when we met the 5 Kilbryders during our separate adventures on the Camino de Santiago. It was a sunny, fun-filled, second-last day. The enthusiasm they expressed for their Hospice was infectious, so we pledged our support. This year, we were back on the trail once again, but missed our Camino “buddies” at the end. Regardless, to commemorate our friendship, we have donated once more for your excellent Charity. Keep up the good work!

John and Joy 2019