‘
When I decided to raise funds for Cancer Research, I didn’t have any more motivation than to make a small contribution to an organisation that helps develop newer and better treatments for cancer; such as the “keyhole” surgery that helped to prolong my life. It was my daughter, Hannah’s suggestion to make an appeal through the “Just Giving” website and it was their suggestion to set a target – we chose £1000.00!
The above photo shows me giving a PowerPoint Presentation at The Spotted a Dog, Digbeth, to a gathering of family and friends. Bless and thank them all.
“John’s Camino for Cancer”
I am walking the Via de la Plata in Spain for Cancer Research UK because I am grateful for my recovery from serious Cancer.
Event: Camino for Cancer on 09/04/2016 Spotted Dog ” Camino for Cancer ” Night.
Raised: 106% of the Target!
£1,061.71 was the total by the next morning, with promises of more to come. I had a lot of help from Barbara – the raffle,logistics, John Tighe ,the landlord & his son Sean, John Meehan for coming along and giving us an acoustic set from his CD.See photo above.
I set out a few “artefacts” – Compostelas, Pilgrim Passports, memorabilia – had three framed for the occasion ! Doubt that I would ever have done that without this night.
A notable and welcome guest – my brother Matt, who flew from Holland,especially.
Well , that leaves a week now until Mac & I fly to Madrid and take a connecting bus to Caceres, where we resume our walk along the Camino, Via de la Plata. As you can see, I’ve got the T-shirt, now I have to be there and do it!
Our plan is to walk up to Zamora, with a day’s rest in Salamanca, en route. Logistically and apart from the walk itself,the trickiest part is getting from Madrid airport, north of the city, to the bus station , south of the city , but bearing in mind it’s a Sunday, crowds will not be a problem . Plan A is to take the Cercanias rail link, which takes 31 minutes , Plan B is the Metro, which involves two changes and takes an hour. Plan C is a taxi.The bus tickets are reserved and printed off – getting your head round Spanish bus websites is the equivalent of “Alice in Wonderland”.
I hope to Blog our journey , regularly, and am both excited by the prospect and motivated by the great support, described, above. ” Ultreia! “.
ensuitepilgrim's Blog 
Buen Camino John. I also raise funds for cancer charities whilst on the Camino and am always amazed at the generosity of my friends and neighbours.
You are so right,Maggie, they never let you down.
I am really sorry that I couldn’t be there, if only as a visual aid, but I was having a particularly bad day on Saturday, the analgesics let me down and I even had raffle prizes to donate! Best of luck on the trip.
Thanks Bernard, hope you are having a better day, todsy.
John the dosh is in the post-honest!!
Lovely night on Saturday,but too much of the black stuff.
All the best for your walk later this week.
Joe Ferris
Thanks, Joe – send me your e-mail if you want the Portuguese Coastal spreadsheet.
Great evening for a worthy cause. It was worth going for the tasty bar snacks provided by the Spotted Dog alone