Date published: 03 August 2020 by Jessica Homer

Andrew Hay recently retired from his role as Global Head of Residential at Knight Frank, the well-known property consultancy. You wouldn’t be alone in thinking that, after a successful 37-year career, Andy’s immediate focus would most likely be hitting the golf course and improving his swing, or perhaps taking up new hobby.

But not Andy.

Instead, he has just embarked on The Camino del Norte hike - and has set himself the target of raising over £100,000 for us.

The 1000km route is steeped in history, originating as a pilgrimage over 1000 years ago. Andy plans to cover around 25 miles of the route each day. He has opted for the most challenging, but most beautiful, path known as “The Del Norte”. Setting off from the Basque Region of South West France, Andy will be travelling through the foothills and along the Western spine of the Pyrenees and on to the North Spain coastal path.

Passing through beautiful coastal scenery, historic fishing villages and the cities of Bilbao and San Sebastian, Andy will finally hang up his walking boots at Fisterra – the most westerly point in Spain.

Andy, from Moreton-in-Marsh, Gloucestershire, has just begun his epic solo trek, walking along Spain’s Atlantic coast for 35 days. He aims to complete the challenge by early September.

Andy is looking forward to his “gap month” following his departure from Knight Frank. He said:

“It’s a substantial physical challenge for an outstanding cause, but it will also give me the opportunity to be alone, reflect and decompress. Walking up to 25 miles a day through some very beautiful villages, stunning scenery and historic sites is both a thrill and a privilege, and something I’m greatly looking forward to.

Rainbow Trust is such a worthy cause and having supported it for several years as part of Knight Frank, it seemed only natural to take on a personal challenge to raise money for families caring for a seriously ill child. I am really looking forward to stepping up to the challenge. Knowing that my fundraising is going to make a vital difference to the lives of many children and families will certainly help spur me on. I would like to encourage all my supporters to join me in making a difference by giving a donation – however big or small – to this fantastic charity via my Just Giving page.”

Zillah Bingley, our Chief Executive, said:

“We are thrilled that Andy is taking on such an enormous feat to support our work. The Camino de Santiago is an incredible challenge to undertake and we look forward to supporting him every step of the way. The funds that Andy is planning to raise from the event will make an incredible difference to our work and enable families with a seriously ill child to make the most of the precious time they have together.”

We will be following Andy every step of the way, so follow us on Twitter and Instagram as we share updates on his incredible challenge.

To show your support and sponsor Andy, visit his fundraising page and help Rainbow Trust to continue supporting families with a seriously ill child.

You can also follow Andy's adventures by following his blog and own social media account on Instagram.