By Dionne Meehan
A SAINT Johnston man is preparing to fulfil his late father’s wish by embarking on the Portuguese Camino to raise money for Donegal Hospice.
This April, Garret Wilson and his friend Gary Ryan will undertake the gruelling 250km journey in memory of Garret’s father John, who passed away last October.
The late John Wilson.
In addition to his working life at Irwin Electrical in Buncrana, John was an avid lover of the outdoors, spending much of his time on the hills.
But as his health fluctuated over the years due to numerous cancer diagnoses, this passion had to take a backseat.
With the family turning to Donegal Hospice for help in relieving John’s pain, he began receiving wonderful care.
So much so, his last wish was for his son Garret to complete the Camino and raise funds for the charity.
But Garret is no stranger to the trek.
Previously completing the Camino in 2023 as a vicarious pilgrim, he earned a Compostela for his father.
Now looking ahead to April, Garret is feeling positive about the pilgrimage.
“Between the blisters and everything else, we hope to do it within 12 days,” Garret told the Donegal News.
“This was our family’s first interaction with the Donegal Hospice, they did a lot for my father during his four stays.
“I suppose my father was a bit unique, not a lot of people get that.
“Someone had to run a coffee morning or a marathon to pay for the care he got; now it is time to give back.
“Down the line, there is going to be another family in need of their services.”
On the run up to the fundraiser, a number of collection days will be taking place in various locations.
This Saturday, the first of these will take place in Kernans Spar in Newtowncunningham.
Collection days will also take place in Costcutters in Carndonagh and Supervalu in Buncrana at the end of the month.
In the meantime, if you wish to donate to this fundraiser you can do so via www.idonate.ie/donegalhospicecamino
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