A GROUP of hiking superheroes are in training to trek across the Spanish hills on a fundraising mission for a North Wales hospice.

The 14 walkers have signed up to take on northern Spain’s Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, in aid of St Kentigern Hospice in St Asaph.

Together, they hope their 67km venture will raise at least £50,000 to help fund the hospice’s palliative care services for adults in Conwy, Denbighshire and Flintshire areas.

St Kentigern Hospice community fundraiser William Holliday said: “The volunteers are all genuine superstars, heroes and heroines determined to put their best feet forward to support the invaluable work of the hospice.”

Among them is former chaplain Sue Last who ministered at St Kentigern for 15 years.

It also has a special place in her heart for personal reasons because her husband, John, received respite care there after being diagnosed 11 years ago with a combination of Alzheimer’s Disease and Vascular Dementia.

Sue was John’s main carer and before the Covid pandemic was able to access respite care at the hospice for him.

She said the offer of respite help was a blessing, greatly supporting her family through traumatic times, adding: “John received the most outstanding care while he was here.

“Knowing he was in the safe hands of understanding professionals greatly reduced the stress on me and enabled me to get my batteries recharged.

“I am more than willing to do whatever I can to boost funds for St Kentigern so that other people can continue to benefit from its services in the way we have.”

John has been in a nursing  home for the past two years but Sue still receives vital support from St Kentigern.

Parents of three and proud grandparents of seven, John is in his 80s and Sue in her 70s - but Sue has no qualms about taking on the Camino trek.

Both she and John were always keen walkers until his deteriorating health made it impossible for him to continue their walks together.

The group also includes St Kentigern nurse Kate Seddon, walking group leader Mike Costello, married couple Rowena and Chris Wynne, who are long-standing supporters of St Kentigern, and fellow walking enthusiasts Ruth Tulley, and Ann Johnson.

Ruth said they have set themselves a fund-raising target of £50,000 but would be thrilled to bring in more.

Each of them has set up their own online Just Giving sponsorship page and the hospice also has a combined page where people can add their donations to boost the running total.

William is thrilled that more than £3,000 has already been pledged in donations even before the group fly out to Spain.

He said: “We were delighted to get a group of 14 volunteers together. It surpassed all expectations.

“They are all still focused on training at the moment, but there is lots of support out there from our staff, friends and fellow community members who are all wishing them every success on what is sure to be an intrepid adventure.”

Established in 1995 as a registered charity, St Kentigern provides specialist palliative care for people with life-threatening or life-limiting illnesses.

The walkers fly out to Spain on October 2 before trekking for three consecutive days with the first 18 miles section taking place the day after their arrival on October 3.

Sue said: “We are training individually, as pairs and in small groups, walking anywhere and everywhere as often as we can, with recent trips in Snowdonia and Derbyshire.” 

To make a donation to the group or for more information visit the hospice Just Giving page at www.justgiving.com/campaign/stkentigerncamino24.