Sheffield sisters hike 120km along historic Camino de Santiago for Weston Park Cancer Charity

Two sisters from Sheffield have hiked 120km of the Camino de Santiago, raising an incredible £2,000 for Weston Park Cancer Charity.

Pat McGrath and Moya Moore started their hike in Sarria, in Northwestern Spain, and walked for six days through forests, fields, and medieval towns.

The Camino de Santiago is one of the world’s most famous pilgrimages, dating back to the 9th century. It is made of a network of routes which all end at the Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in Galicia, Spain.

Pat and Moya concocted their plan to tackle the Camino de Santiago over a gin and tonic, and spent six months training in secret before telling friends and family.

“So many people doubted that we could do it,” said Pat. “But we’re quite stubborn so that just made us more determined!”

“To be honest we did doubt ourselves at times too,” said Moya. “On the second day we were stood at the bottom of a huge hill and I thought – what we are doing here? It was really hard work and I still can’t believe we did it.”

The pair were inspired to raise money for Weston Park Cancer Charity because of the treatment Pat’s husband Nick received in 2011 after being diagnosed with neck cancer.

“We’re from Sheffield so Weston Park is in our DNA,” said Pat. “We know a lot of people who have been treated at the hospital, and I’ve previously served as a trustee for Weston Park Cancer Charity.”

On one of the last days of the hike, Pat and Moya decided to wear their Weston Park Cancer Charity tops.

“When we had our Weston Park tops on so many people came up to talk to us and share their stories,” said Pat. “They told us about loved ones who should have been walking with them, but who had lost their lives to cancer. It was very emotional.”

Speaking about their fundraising efforts, Moya said: “People have been so generous. Especially within our church. Lots of them have family members who have been treated at Weston Park Cancer Centre and some have used the charity’s services themselves.”

The money raised through Pat and Moya’s hike will help Weston Park Cancer Charity to be there, at every step, for people in the region living with cancer.

If you’ve been inspired by Pat and Moya’s adventure, you can register your own Weston Park Cancer Charity fundraiser here. Or you can get in touch by emailing us at charityteam@wpcancercharity.org.uk