Team Devine Conquers the Camino de Santiago, Raising Over £43,000 for Alexander Devine Children’s Hospice Service
On Saturday 20th October, after six days on foot, more than 100km walked, countless hills climbed, and braving the Spanish heat, #TeamDevine reached the stunning Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela, the final destination of their Camino de Santiago Challenge.
The team of 12, which included our CEO and Founder, Fiona Devine MBE and her 21 year-old son Harry, undertook the epic pilgrimage to raise awareness and vital funds for our local children’s hospice service, which is needed now more than ever by over 200 babies, children, young people with life-limiting and life-threatening conditions, and their families.
For Fiona, the journey was also deeply personal. Fiona walked in memory of her beloved son, Alexander, who sadly died at the age of eight from a rare brain tumour.
The challenge began at Tui Cathedral, where the team collected their pilgrim passports before setting off on their first steps along the Camino. They embraced cherished traditions such as laying down shells, the universal symbol of the Camino that represents protection, transformation, and spiritual growth.
Each morning started bright and early to beat the heat, setting off whilst the sun was rising, with mist still drifting through the valleys. Covering between 6 and 8 hours of walking a day, the route carried them along coastal paths, forest trails and through picturesque towns, with highlights including the Ponte Medieval de Ponte Sampaio bridge and a scenic detour to the Barosa waterfalls.
While the views were breathtaking, the terrain was unforgiving. Steep climbs, tough descents, blisters, sore feet, and even a few lost toenails all tested the group’s resilience.
Fiona reflects on the journey…
“Since returning from the Camino de Santiago, I’ve often been asked how I found the experience. To be honest, the physical challenge was tougher than I expected, especially given my lack of training! Yet in those difficult moments, my thoughts turned to the countless pilgrims who had walked this path over the past thousand years. Their journeys must have been far more arduous, and that perspective gave me strength.
I was deeply moved by the older pilgrims I encountered, each walking their own quiet, determined journey. Their resilience and dedication were a source of inspiration. And always, Alexander and the children we support were in my heart, reminding me why I was there and giving me the push I needed when my energy waned.
I hope this journey has made me a better person. It taught me that the mental and emotional challenges are just as demanding as the physical ones, and just as transformative.”
In the most challenging moments, it was the team spirit that truly shone. With ages ranging from 21 to 81, the group supported one another every step of the way and formed lasting friendships along the trail.
As Bob Crittenden, aged 81 said…
“Despite the age range, we’ve all managed to get here. It’s been a brilliant trip, we’ve all pulled together, and everyone has been so supportive of each other. It’s been a lovely experience all round. So, whether you’re 81 or 21, it’s the sort of walk anyone could do.“
Thanks to the incredible support the team received, the challenge has raised over £43,000 to help Alexander Devine to continue to continue to deliver its vital services; including respite care, specialist play, symptom management, family support, physiotherapy, transition support, day care and overnight care, end of life care, and bereavement support.
You can still celebrate the team’s achievement and make a difference by supporting their fundraiser below.
Join us for our next adventure
Inspired by #TeamDevine’s Camino journey? We’d love you to be part of our future challenges…
Camino de Santiago Challenge 2027
Register your interest now for our return to the Camino de Santiago in 2027, a very special year as we mark Alexander Devine’s 20th anniversary, and a Holy Year on the Camino.
2026 UK Challenges
Take on a UK challenge closer to home, such as the Snowdon Sunrise Challenge, or the Jurassic Coast Ultra Challenge.
Choose your own challenge!
Whether you’re a runner, cyclist or adrenaline seeker, you can choose your own challenge, and we’ll support you every step of the way.
If you have a challenge in mind, or need some inspiration, please get in touch with our friendly fundraising team and we’ll be happy to help you out.
Need our help?
The word hospice should not seem scary and getting support from us doesn’t have to mean a child’s death is imminent. Helping to enrich the lives of the children and their families is at the heart of our service, our end of life and bereavement support is just a part of what we do.
Our children’s hospice service covers the whole of Berkshire, South Bucks and into surrounding counties. If you think your child may be eligible for our services, please do get in touch.
Alexander Devine on Facebook
Copyright © 2019 Alexander Devine Children's Hospice Service. UK Registered Charity No. 1118947.