Berkshire children's hospice embark on 100K charity trek across Spain and Portugal
Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service was set up in memory of an 8-year-old boy who died from a brain tumour
Berkshire's Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service is setting off on a monumental fundraising event today, as its CEO and founder, Fiona Devine MBE, undertakes a six-day, 100km trek along the historic Camino de Santiago, alongside 11 others.
The challenge, scheduled to last six days, will see Fiona, her 21-year-old son Harry, and a team of 10 supporters traverse the ancient pilgrim route through Portugal and Northern Spain—all to honour the memory of her beloved son, Alexander, and support children with life-limiting conditions across Berkshire.
Speaking ahead of the challenge, Fiona said “my main motivation to walk is for my son Alexander. I am walking in his memory, and I am so grateful to the team of supporters that are joining me on this extraordinary challenge and walking this pilgrim route with over a thousand years of history. This will not only be a physical test but a mental, and emotional one too.”
The trek is not just a personal milestone for Fiona but also a vital fundraiser, with a target of £30,000 set to help the charity fund the hiring of a newly qualified nurse. Every donation to the fundraising page is being match funded by an anonymous donor, doubling the impact for the charity.
In a recent interview with Greatest Hits Radio, Fiona described the trek as “a huge challenge” and highlighted the mental, emotional, and physical aspects of disconnecting from daily life:
“It's the challenge of doing something mentally, emotionally, as well as physically tough. It's that opportunity to be in your own head, and to spend some time just disconnected from social media and the world, focusing a little bit on your own well-being as well as challenging yourself” she explained.
She also expressed gratitude for her supportive and determined team, including son Harry, local trustees, and other participants from the Berkshire community:
“We have a really mixed group of people and we’re all very excited. They’ve been really receptive about raising the sponsorship for the charity, so we set our target of 30,000 and we are well on the way, so that’s brilliant.”
Training for the trek has involved rigorous hill walks, stair climbing, and practical footwear planning to tackle blisters and the anticipated heat. Accommodation along the route will also be modest and varied, and could include hostels and a monastery.
Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service currently supports over 200 children with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions throughout Berkshire, South Bucks, and surrounding counties. Funds raised in the trek will enable vital services such as respite care, play sessions, end-of-life care, and bereavement support for families at their most vulnerable moments.
Fiona extends a plea for the Berkshire community and beyond to support the team’s challenge:
“I want to make the plea that if anybody would like to sponsor us, please go to our website. There’s a fundraising page there for Harry and I. Please donate whatever you can—it really does make a difference.”