The secret to success for Mountbatten Isle of Wight's Katie Crocker, as she took on nearly 70km along Spain's famous Camino in just three days, was her water bladder drinking pouch and a change of socks. 

Last week, she trekked from Palas de Rey to the UNESCO World Heritage site of Santiago de Compostela in memory of her friend, John Gardner, who died at Mountbatten Isle of Wight’s hospice in October 2023. 

Katie's challenge started on what would have been John's birthday, 2 October.

CLICK HERE to visit Katie's Enthuse page as she raises money for Mountbatten Isle of Wight

Katie said: “John was funny, fantastic and remarkable and he loved Spain. He would have been really chuffed."

Her training included completing Mountbatten's iconic fundraising event, Walk the Wight, as well as hiking in Wales.

In Spain, Katie managed a whopping 27km on one day and walked 16km in torrential rain on another, finishing at Santiago de Compostela's famous cathedral. 

Her must-have rucksack item was her Camino Passport, which was stamped at cafes, churches and other stops along her 67km route.

Her favourite part was the scenery, which included beautiful corn fields, historic buildings and woodland, while the most challenging aspect of the walk were soggy feet and the last few miles each day. 

She said: "I did it. I am so proud of myself. I discovered I can push through, with determination and it empowered me!"

Her journey was spent chatting to fellow walkers, which Katie says was humbling. She also spent time 'being mindful and reflective, and grateful that I could be there.'

"I don't think we give ourselves enough time to process our grief and to feel our emotions, so there was time for that too," said Katie. 

"I saw how amazing Mountbatten's nurses were with John and his family and friends. They need funds to be able to do this for so many more people.

"John would say I was daft, but he would have been proud of me for doing it, as would my dad and brother-in-law, who both died suddenly.

"Because these people I care about had their lives cut short, I'm always reminded how precious life is." 

So far, Katie has raised nearly £3,000 and it is not too late to donate. 

CLICK HERE to visit Katie's Enthuse page as she raises money for Mountbatten Isle of Wight

Mountbatten staff provide 24/7 expert care in patients' own homes across the Isle of Wight and in our 16-bed hospice. Our charity also supports people with rehab and bereavement counselling. 

Mountbatten Isle of Wight is one-third funded by the NHS, and the money our organisation gets has not risen in line with inflation. Our charity's costs have gone up, however, which means we are increasingly reliant on the two-thirds of our funding which comes from the community, including from donations and challenges like Katie's.