St. Patrick’s GAC Lisburn man, Dr Martin McMullan began his virtual 120 Kilometer Camino walk from Logrono to Burgos this morning and Saffron Gael photographer, Bert Trowlen was there (at a safe distance) to capture the occasion.
A retired GP, Martin is a committee member of the Lisburn club and has three sons who play for St. Patrick’s GAC.
Martin retired as a West Belfast GP back in 2014 after battling through a form of blood cancer called myeloma.
“I ended up having a stem cell transplant and I retired at that stage. It was only then that I started walking more as I had more time on my hands,” Martin said.
“The idea for this trek came when I was drinking a nice bottle of red wine. And once I said I was going to do it I couldn’t go back.”
https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Martin-McMullan2
In his virtual walk, Martin will cover the distance of the Logrono to Burgos section of the Camino – without leaving his home
His initial target was to raise £500-00 for Trocaire but as his story has appeared in the Saffron Gael and other media outlets the total has spiralled to £15, 600
“Hopefully we can continue pushing that total higher and higher. So many charities are struggling right now and Trocaire is one I wanted to support.
“I am not an athlete. I am an old man who has survived cancer.
“I am on the highly vulnerable list during this coronavirus crisis so I am homebound for a while.
“I started walking after I received my cancer diagnosis. I have done a couple of sections of the Camino before, and I have always meant to do another one.
Martin began the first section of his journey this morning and intends to make the 120 Km journey in 5 or 6 days. The first stage is from Logrono to Najera (28.9km). Second day is from Najera to Santo Domingo de la Calzada (21.3km). Third day Santo Domingo to Belorado (22.4km) Fourth day Belorado to San Juan de Ortega (24.2km) Fifth day San Juan de Ortega to Burgos. (26.1km). I intend to “arrive” in Burgos for my Birthday on 4th May 2020!!
I realise that times for many are difficult and you may not be in a position to donate. I totally understand. I intend to match the first £100 of donations myself as obviously I am saving money on airfares etc!!
Martin said “Thank you for taking the time to read this. Trocaire is supporting the most vulnerable people in the developing world, while also raising awareness of injustice and global poverty in Ireland.
I also appreciate that at this time there are many charities needing your support. Donate if you can.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity”
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
This is just another story the Saffron Gael has carried of a fellow Gael who has given selflessly of his time to help those less fortunate than himself. Let’s get together and help him on his journey by donating through the link at the bottom of this article and we’ll keep you informed along the way.
What a birthday celebration it promises to be.
Good luck Martin. Our prayers and thoughts are with you all the way and we’ll see you in Burgos in five or six day’s time!
One man and his dog. Martin McMullan sets out on his journey this morning
