By Peter Douglas
THREE Dandenong Ranges friends have reached the closing stages of their epic Spanish pilgrimage, which aims to raise awareness about the impacts of mental illness.
With a 13 October finish now within reach, Cheryl McInness of Belgrave, Kym Murphy of Kalorama and Tony Whyte of Monbulk recently reached the Santiago, Spain, stage of their participation in this year’s El Camino de Santiago.
The recent milestone marks a major achievement in their 884km journey from the French Pyrenees to the north-west of Spain.
During their adventure, the trio have encountered sweltering autumn days, occasional strong winds and rain, weary and blistered feet, and early morning starts.
Walking at a pace of four kilometres per hour, with a few rest stops for coffee and tapas, Cheryl, Kym and Tony cover anywhere from 20km to 30km per day.
In her blog about the adventure, Kym told of the challenges they had encountered.
“The Camino has a way of bringing people and situations when you least expect it,” she said.
“Often, they are to answer a request, no matter how long ago it was made, or to hold up the mirror, to teach you something.
“There may be a synchronicity, a random act of kindness from a stranger, or something that addresses a fear or activates you in some way.”
Though, she said it was the special experiences that made it all worthwhile.
“When we were in Torres del Rio, an elderly Spanish lady sat next to me at a cafe and sang while tapping her walking stick on the ground to create the beat,” she said.
“My heart filled with so much gratitude and joy, I almost cried.
“It is these things that make the Camino so special.”
Cheryl, Kym and Tony plan to finish the Camino Santiago de Compostela on or near 13 October, during Mental Health Week.
Their efforts are also on behalf of Wellways Australia, a not-for-profit mental health and disability support organisation, and the ‘1 Million Steps for Mental Health’ event.
Tony met Cheryl and Kym on the Camino in 2014, when they were embarking on their first one.
They became good friends, having a common love of the Dandenong Ranges.
For the trio, the desire to walk the Camino again is about promoting a better understanding of mental illness.
Ms McInness said the trio felt extremely motivated to complete the journey.
“We each know, from personal experience in our own family, about the impacts of mental illness,” she said.
“We also know what a difference the right kinds of support can make.”
Ms McInness has two adult sons, one of whom has a mental illness.
“I am grateful for the quality of life he has, and for the intelligent and beautiful human being that he is,” she said.
Follow their journey at www.travelpod.com/members/camino16.
* Donations to support Wellways’ work in the community can be made at www.mifellowship.org/donate.
