Seven years ago, I took a sabbatical from Purple Rain to run a photography exhibition in my home town of Rathfriland to raise funds for the Simon Community. After another seven years of trading, this year, I decided to take part in the first ever Fermanagh Camino as part of my second self imposed self employed sabbatical to raise money for a cancer charity.

Sitting and working mainly at a desk is not good long term so the outdoor training I undertook months in advance helped me to be ready for the 25 mile route over two days. I was nervous but I was ready. For a break from work commitments and to embark on something new.

The time out from emails, social media posts and meetings was welcomed in the peculiar sunshine not normally granted to the month of April, especially in the lakeland County. Nevertheless, I catered for a warm Fermanagh as well as a wet one! The car had waterproof gear (just in case the localised forecast showed a hint of rain) as well as sunscreen, baseball caps and sunglasses. Our base which mum and I lodged at was the beautiful Drumrush B&B overlooking lower Lough Erne and unbeknownst to me at the time of booking, was the starting point for day two.

What did I see?

I saw the beauty of a county I have grown fond of as I travelled on foot to new places within it. Ever since my father passed away, 12 years ago this month, I have found comfort watching the expanse of water in the peaceful surroundings. I saw the sun glistening on Lough Derg as well as on Lough Erne. I heard water lap up at the edges and saw fishermen out hoping for a good catch. I could see the gentle ripples of a swan gliding through the water totally at peace within the expanse of the Lough around them. I saw butterflies dancing and alpacas looking very warm in their heavy coats. I heard birds tweet and sing and dart and fly around overhead. I saw trees battered by the storm Éowyn, and the yellow sun rays directing us on the ground kept us on our way, or as they say in Spain, Camino. At times, I felt I was in Spain with the heat. Water and fruit kindly provided along the route helped manage the fluids lost in sweat. And jelly babies, as recommended by my sister, were used to tackle the last few miles each day.

What did I learn?

Acceptance. I was in a group of strangers and I was accepted without having to give a report or a rundown of my life. Despite being a physical challenge that I set myself to complete, no one put any pressure on me to finish quicker than I was managing. Strangers encouraged me along the way and in turn, I was able to encourage them – we could do it! Especially on our last hill heading up to Lusty Beg on Sunday, we were never so glad to see the brown sign!

Would I do it again?

Absolutely! There was a great spirit – maybe it was the weather which everyone was raving about or maybe it was the communal challenge which raised money for a charity that united us.

It was well organised and from the moment we arrived at Lough Derg we felt welcomed. I say we as my mum, although not a participant physically for the mileage, was my support vehicle and a pre-walk conversation with the co-founder of the charity affirmed her presence in a supportive role being just as important as those of us walking.

As I saw a photograph taken on the drone which hovered above us at Lough Derg, suddenly the emotion hit me. The stunning landscape of the water and the pilgrimage island alongside the meandering small Irish road we walked on showed us on our journey. And many in that cavalcade of yellow high vis vests had been on a journey of loss from someone who had cancer. And so even though all 100 stories weren’t told individually, there in one photograph was the outcome. And shoulder to shoulder and foot to foot we were walking with a purpose in mind, together. And there was no watch set, no clock ticking, just feet going one step to another. Moving through time. Taking in the landscape, struggling in the sunshine, humanity in motion, hoping those that we loved dearly would know they were not forgotten.

Thank you

Many thanks to those who supported me to raise £535 plus £75 gift aid for Cancer Connect the official charity. In total, a massive £23,884.00 was raised via the Camino helping to support families living with Cancer in the Fermanagh area.