Donkey trekking for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity
In June 2021, Murray set off on a donkey trek through the Basque Mountains in northern Spain to raise money for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, raising an incredible £1,254
As a travel writer, I found myself with little work during the pandemic. But I did get the opportunity to fundraise for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity through a donkey trek in northern Spain.
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Why The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity?
My partner, Sara Lister, is Head of Pastoral Care and Psychological Support at The Royal Marsden, so I know how dedicated the hospital staff are and am constantly amazed at their professionalism and commitment. Together, Sara and I did a sponsored walk a few years ago for The Royal Marsden Cancer Charity, so this seemed like another golden opportunity.
Preparing for the trip
I set off to cross a mountainous region in northern Spain – the Basque Mountains and the Sierra Cantabria – in early June this year, accompanied by two sturdy donkeys. I was delighted when a contact put me in touch with Tati Gamboa, a man who leads small group tours with his donkeys. ‘No need to carry my own backpack’ was my first thought.
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Donkey trekking through Spain
We had to delay our start due to an electrical storm, but the two donkeys – Gaspar and Roque – were fearless, maintaining a good pace as we climbed to heights of 1,300 metres on daily stages of up to 30km. I soon got to know them: Gaspar was a reliable leader, while Roque skulked behind, always on the lookout for an opportunity to munch some grass or snaffle a tasty-looking tree branch.
And Tati the ‘donkey-minder’ was a real character. I admired him for keeping himself constantly hydrated, until I realised that his leather ‘water’-bottle was actually filled with (and frequently emptied of) red wine! But accompanied by Zoilo the dog (our self-appointed Head of Security), we made it across the mountains, attracting huge attention from the Basque TV, radio and printed press.
There were a lot of smiles on children’s faces as we passed through remote villages. For that joy, the publicity and the generous donations of family and friends, I must give the credit to the donkeys!
Helping a worthy cause
At time of writing, I am still in Spain. Gaspar and Roque are enjoying a well-earned rest up in the high pastures of the Basque Country. I have met my modest fundraising target, and it is a real privilege to help such a worthy cause. Some of The Royal Marsden staff who are complete strangers to me have donated, which is wonderful – thanks to them all.