Date published: 15 September 2020 by Digital Team
Lord Andrew Hay, who recently retired from his role as Global Head of Residential at Knight Frank, has completed his 1000km trek along one of the most historic routes in Europe, raising over £69,000 for Rainbow Trust Children’s Charity, which supports families with a seriously ill child.
Following his retirement after 37 years at Knight Frank, Andrew, from Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, decided to walk The Camino del Norte. He began the walk in August, having postponed in April, due to the coronavirus outbreak.
Walking alone along Spain’s Atlantic coast and finishing at “The End of the World” in Finisterra, Andrew covered up to 42 kilometres a day for 35 days. He successfully completed the challenge and arrived safely home on 9 September, to start his 14 days quarantine.
Documenting the highs and lows of his adventures, Andrew shared his experiences via a blog. From walking the equivalent of two back-to-back marathons over tough terrain in 37-degree heat in the first week, to the physical and mental challenge of remaining motivated on the intense - and isolating - trek.
During the trek, he wrote:
“I reflected on all those who had supported me, those who were following me, the kind donors (the money was continuing to flow in) and the Rainbow Trust Family Support Workers and the families they cared for. I could not let them down.”
So interesting were Andrew’s adventures, he was twice interviewed live on BBC Radio Surrey. Andrew said:
"I am so proud to have completed my 1,000km challenge and more importantly to have been able to support the wonderful Rainbow Trust. Thank you to all those who donated so generously and "thank you" to all the heroes at Rainbow Trust both at HQ and the amazing family support teams and the superb work they do.”
When a child suffers from serious illness, time becomes more precious than ever. Rainbow Trust helps by pairing each family with a specialist Family Support Worker who helps give them time. They give time for a parent to have a desperately needed break, they make time for the brothers and sisters to help them feel less frightened and isolated and they give time to parents to do the things they used to love, before family life was turned upside down. Every hour of Rainbow Trust’s support helps families in deep turmoil to cope. Rainbow Trust believes that it is about time that every family should have the support they need.
Zillah Bingley, our Chief Executive, said:
“We are thrilled that Andy has safely completed his incredible trek along The Camino de Santiago, which he undertook to support the work of Rainbow Trust.
We have eagerly followed his adventures through his blog and watched as the donations grew on his fundraising page; the total of which, currently sits at an amazing £69,400!
This tremendous amount could fund all the costs of a Family Support Worker (supporting 25 families), for one whole year. On top of this, his fundraising could also pay for an additional 730 hours of support.
The impact of Andy’s efforts will be far-reaching, helping more families to better cope, and allowing them to make the most of precious time together as they deal with the unbearable reality of having a seriously ill child.
From all of us at Rainbow Trust - and the families we support - we offer our heartfelt thanks and appreciation to Andy for all that he has achieved.”
It's not too late to show your support and sponsor Andy, by visiting his fundraising page, which will help us continue supporting families with a seriously ill child.
You can also read more about Andy's adventures by visiting his blog and his own social media account on Instagram.