Eight close friends, many with long careers in the NHS, are lacing up their hiking boots for a 120km trek this August. The team is walking a section of the famous Camino Pilgrimage in Spain to raise vital funds for the Cardiff and Vale MND Association.
The idea for the challenge came from Hazel Robinson, a retired Director of Workforce & OD at Swansea Bay University Health Board. “I was holidaying last summer and visited the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela,” Hazel explains. “I saw many pilgrims arriving after doing the same route and it left me thinking what a great experience it would be. I wondered if any of my friends would be up for it and, before I knew it, there were eight willing participants.”
The group is walking in support of their friend, Suzanne Granger, whose sister, Chris Matthews, was diagnosed with Motor Neurone Disease (MND) in 2018. Suzanne, who previously worked as an HR Business Partner for Aneurin Bevan Health Board, is leading the charge to raise awareness and funds for the charity that has been a lifeline for her family.
“It was Hazel’s idea to do part of the Camino pilgrimage and it seemed a great idea to use the opportunity to raise funds for this wonderful charity,” Suzanne says. “We are really looking forward to the challenge and have been on many long training walks over the past few months to prepare ourselves. We are truly grateful for all the generous donations which will help so much to support those living with MND and their families.”
Meet the Team
- Suzanne Granger: Retired HR professional with a career at AA Insurance Services and the NHS.
- Dee Campbell: Originally from South Africa, now based in Cardiff with a decade of experience in the NHS.
- Tracy Myhill: Former CEO of Swansea Bay University Health Board and Welsh Ambulance Service.
- Janet Wilkinson: Recently retired after a 39-year career in the NHS, most recently as Chief People Officer for NHS Greater Manchester.
- Hazel Robinson: Retired Director of Workforce & OD at Swansea Bay University Health Board.
- Caroline Bird: A career NHS professional, now Delivery Director at North Bristol NHS Trust.
- Anne Claydon: Retired dental director and current volunteer with Cancer Research Wales.
- Clare Baker: HR Director at PayStream Accounting Services Ltd and a qualified Life and Success Coach.
The team has been training extensively, with some members even preparing internationally in Spain and Australia. Their goal is to raise £5,000 to support the local branch, and they are already well on their way thanks to incredible community support.
How Your Donation Helps
The funds raised will go directly to the Cardiff and Vale Branch of the Motor Neurone Disease Association. This dedicated local group provides crucial emotional, financial, and practical assistance to people living with MND and their families. This includes everything from home adaptations to support groups, all powered by fundraising and volunteers.
The team’s fundraising will help the branch continue its vital work and ensure people like Chris receive the care, dignity, and support they deserve.
“We are delighted these ladies have chosen our charity for what is a very tough challenge,” says Markus Matthews, Vice Chair of the MND Association Cardiff & Vale. “This is a fantastic opportunity to fundraise and raise awareness of this awful disease. Thanks everyone for your donations and comments to date, and I’m sure we all wish them the very best for this challenge.”
You can support the team on their journey by donating at their JustGiving page.
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