For over 1,000 years, pilgrims have walked hundreds of miles along the Camino de Santiago, seeking reflection, healing, and purpose. This month, Kevin Waite will be one of them, taking on 115 km of the Portuguese Camino Way – but for him, this walk is about more than just the challenge. It’s about honouring a loved one, supporting a cause close to his heart, and finding strength in the face of loss.
A personal mission: walking for those who can’t
Motor neurone disease (MND) is a cruel and relentless condition that affects the brain and nerves, gradually taking away the ability to move, speak, swallow, and eventually breathe. It’s a disease that shows no mercy and, so far, has no cure. Kevin has seen first-hand the devastation MND brings – not just to those diagnosed but to the families left to watch helplessly as their loved one fades away.
His son-in-law, Sam, is one of those people.Sam is a beautiful, kind-hearted man who has had to endure the unimaginable heartbreak of watching his mum, Jenny, slowly lose her battle with MND. The pain of seeing her go from an independent, vibrant woman to someone trapped in her own body is indescribable.
“As a parent, you want to protect your children from pain, but there was nothing we could do to take away Sam’s heartbreak,” Kevin shares. “Watching him go through that, knowing how much he adored his mum, was absolutely devastating.”
Kevin’s decision to walk the Camino again was solidified after watching Rob Burrow’s documentary about his journey with MND (BBC Two’s Rob Burrow: Living with MND). Seeing Rob’s unbreakable spirit and the unwavering strength of his family was incredibly moving.
“I was in awe of how Rob and his family faced MND with so much love, courage, and determination,” Kevin says. “It made me realise that while I can’t change what’s happened, I can do something to help raise money and awareness. Every step I take will be for Sam’s mum, for Rob, and for every family fighting this battle.”
A test of endurance: footballer’s knees and a builder’s back
At 66 years old, Kevin isn’t exactly built for endurance walking. As a former amateur footballer, he’s got the classic battle scars of a life spent on the pitch – dodgy football knees that have seen better days. Add to that a long career as a joiner and construction manager, and he’s also carrying the wear and tear of a building site back. This Camino walk will push his body to its limits.
“This is going to be a huge test for me,” he admits. “Years of playing football and working on building sites have left me with a back that aches and knees that don’t always cooperate. But any discomfort I feel is nothing compared to what people with MND go through every single day.”
Despite the physical challenges, Kevin is determined to complete the journey, fuelled by his mission and the support of those around him.
A life of helping others
Kevin has always believed in giving back. Alongside his career, he has spent time working with young people as a youth worker and mentoring aspiring entrepreneurs through the Prince’s Trust. Supporting others, whether in business, life, or now through this fundraiser, has always been at the heart of who he is.
“I’ve always believed that if you can help, you should,” he says. “Whether it’s guiding a young person to find their way in life or raising money for a cause that needs attention, making a difference – no matter how small – matters.”
The Camino: a walk through history
The Portuguese Camino Way is a stunning and historic route, walked by pilgrims for over a thousand years. Stretching across 115 km over six days, Kevin’s journey will take him through medieval towns, coastal paths, and beautiful countryside, following in the footsteps of countless others who have walked before him.
“The Camino has this way of stripping life back to the basics,” Kevin reflects. “You wake up, you walk, you reflect. It reminds you of what really matters.”
This time, his journey will be guided by love, remembrance, and hope – hope that by raising awareness and funds, future families won’t have to go through the same heartbreak that Sam and so many others have endured.
How you can help
Kevin is raising money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MNDA), with all funds going toward vital studies, improved care, and the fight to find a cure for MND. If you would like to donate to support his efforts, you can do so via Kevin’s JustGiving fundraising page.
“Every donation, no matter how small, brings us closer to breakthroughs in research and better support for families affected,” Kevin says. “If you can, please help – it truly means the world.”
As he embarks on this incredible journey, Kevin knows that every step, every ache, and every mile walked will be worth it. Because this walk is more than just a challenge – it’s a promise to Sam, to Jenny, and to everyone still fighting MND.
“People with MND don’t get a choice; their bodies fail them no matter how strong they are,” Kevin says. “I have a choice – I can walk. And I’ll walk every step of this journey in their honour.”
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