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‍Euan Carlisle, from Christ the Prince of Peace, Weybridge, will be received into the Church and confirmed this Easter, shortly before setting off on another adventure: a 320km walking pilgrimage on the Camino Primitivo to Santiago de Compostela to raise funds for the diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage, and enable pilgrims who need help with the cost access vital subsidies.

The Diocese was able to offer 260 subsidised pilgrimage places last year, giving those who might not otherwise be able to go, an enriching experience of faith and joy. Funds raised by Euan will help the pilgrims who need it most. Speaking about his journey of faith and the upcoming challenge, Euan said:

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"About 15 months ago, I had decided that I wanted to walk the Camino Frances (820km in 34 days). At the time, my life was quite turbulent as my wife and I were dealing with an oldest son who was an addict and we were trying to help him get a place at rehabilitation centre in Italy, San Patrignano. Anyway, I had booked the walk and decided that would be a great opportunity to reach out to friends and family to seek some fundraising for the centre where my son was going.

"The walk was incredible from the very beginning and for the first 12 days tested my stamina, resilience and mental fortitude. It was beautiful and savage in equal measures. I met a number of amazing people and had some extraordinary experiences. One has a lot of time to review and “unpack” your mind and the way you’ve been living your life on these days where [all there was to do] was walk. Every day was a remarkable time, walking through ancient villages, many of which had several ancient  Catholic churches, talking to and making friends with others from far afield and different walks of life.

"The discomfort soon disappeared, the scenery was beyond stunning and all too soon I neared the end of a remarkable experience. I walked the last day with a pilgrim who had terminal lung cancer but was, nevertheless, determined to complete her Camino to earn her Compostela. She had journeyed from Sarria to Santiago: 100km!. You could say that those 35 days were among the most life-enhancing and spiritually uplifting that I've ever experienced.

"I attended a few Masses along the way, none more powerful than the Pilgrims' Mass in Santiago’s stunning Cathedral.

"Upon my return, I talked with a friend about my desire to join the Church and embrace Catholicism, and I joined in last September's RCIA cohort at Christ the Prince of Peace to hopefully be confirmed this Easter Vigil.

"As I had such a fantastic experience walking the Camino, I have decided to walk a different route this year, the Camino Primitivo. I commence on 11 April, one week after my confirmation. All rather lovely symmetry! I will be, if you will, a Pilgrim raising funds for other Pilgrims."

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Click the button below to donate to the Lourdes Pilgrimage via JustGiving, in support of Euan's fundraising walk.