My Story
Why I'm Walking the Camino de Santiago for Cancer Research... How It All Started... In 2012, Gordon Davidson walked the 800-kilometre Camino de Santiago de Compostela. He had Stage 4 malignant melanoma—a rare form that affected his central nervous system. We had just met online before his journey began, and over six intense weeks, we wrote to each other as he walked across Spain. Those letters were the foundation of something very special and by the time we met in person we were hopelessly in love. The following fifteen months held more life than seemed possible…extraordinary joy and devastating heartbreak arriving in equal measure. When he died, he left behind a request in his will: that his family would walk the Camino in his memory. Continuing His Legacy... It was a journey that had meant so much to both of us, so following Gordon's death, I planned to walk the Camino as soon as I could—the same 800 kilometres he had walked. Since then, the Camino has become woven into the fabric of my life. I've returned twice more: once to walk the extension to Finisterre ("the end of the earth"), and again to walk the Portuguese route from Porto to Santiago. Although sadly Gordon's father and older brother both died before they could make the journey—his father in 2018, and his brother took his own life on the very day of his father's funeral—Gordon's family is also gradually fulfilling his wish. One of his sons completed the walk in 2022. Earlier this year, his sister walked it with her husband, carrying some of her brother's ashes with her. A New Chapter, Same Mission... I never thought I would find or experience such profound love again after Gordon, but life totally surprised me. I met Hamish Napier—an exceptionally funny, kind, talented and generous soul who really makes my world sing with joy. With the Camino being such an important part of my life, I was hoping that he might be up for joining me for another one, and to my utter delight he didn't hesitate to say yes. So in a fortnight's time, Hamish and I will walk the original Camino...the Camino Primitivo, which starts in Oviedo in Asturias and crosses over the Picos de Europa mountain range. It feels like the perfect way to honour Gordon's memory while raising funds for Cancer Research and supporting the vital work that might spare other families from avoidable heartbreak. Why Cancer Research Matters... Gordon's rare form of melanoma was aggressive and ultimately unstoppable, but cancer research continues to make remarkable advances. Every pound raised brings us closer to better treatments, earlier detection, and ultimately, cures that will save lives. Walking the Camino taught me that every step matters, no matter how small. The same is true for cancer research... every contribution, every breakthrough, every life saved builds toward a future where families don't have to say goodbye too soon. Join us on this journey. Your support means everything.
