On April 1st 2011, John Bettens will set off on fundraising journey walking the Pilgram’s Path, or the The Camino. His journey will take him from St Peter’s Basilica in Rome, Italy, to Saint James Cathedral in Santiago de Compostela, Spain.
The arduous journey will take over four months covering around 25 kilometres per day on ancient paths that have been used to traverse Europe for thousands of years. It is a demanding walk for even the fittest man, but for John his challenge is heightened by his recent experiences with cancer.
John Bettens is living with two types of cancer – prostate cancer (diagnosed 2003) and follicular lymphoma (diagnosed 2007). He is a past program participant of The Gawler Foundation’s Life and Living program and is embarking on this amazing journey as a quest for personal healing and to raise money for the Foundation’s ongoing work. “You need to walk it with an open heart and an open mind. Just allow what will happen to happen,” says John.
John, who is in his early 60s and is a lawyer says “sometimes we get the opportunity to do something a bit out of the ordinary which can do some good in this world. I feel the Rome to Santiago project is one of those somethings.”
John will post regular updates and photos of his progress on his website blog (www.rometosantiagoproject.com.au) and share his story on ‘the path’ via his Facebook page. The website also provides visitors with the opportunity to make a donation as a sign of support. All donations made are tax deductable and will benefit future Gawler Foundation program participants. John aims to raise one million dollars, so every donation made is a ‘step’ closer to his goal.
“It is often said on the Camino that it is not the destination but the journey that is important. I completely agree,’ says John.
The Gawler Foundation is a non-profit, non-denominational organisation and is committed to an integrated approach to health, healing and wellbeing (www.gawler.org).
For more information please contact Lindy Schneider, media and Communications Manager, The Gawler Foundation on media@gawler.org via telephone on 03597 1730 or 0417 365 697.
Information and Interviews
- John is available for interview and comment through The Gawler Foundation Media Department.
- Karin Knoester, CEO of The Gawler Foundation is also available for interview and comment.
- For more information about the Rome to Santiago trip visit www.rometosantiagoproject.com.au
- For more information about The Gawler Foundation visit www.gawler.org
- Photos available on request
Fast Facts
- John is a cancer survivor.
- John’s walk will take four months.
- This is the first time John has attempted a walk of this magnitude.
- John is donating all proceeds to The Gawler Foundation.
- He aims to raise one million dollars.
- John’s walk is a solo endeavour (although he will meet other walkers along the way).
- John is in preparation mode and will leave from Rome on April 1, 2011.
Filed under: Press releases 2011
