On July 16th, our Managing Partner, Darren Robinson, embarked on an incredible journey, walking 259 km from Porto in Portugal along the beautiful coastline to reach Santiago de Compostela in Spain. The purpose of this challenging adventure was to raise funds for the Luxembourgish charity, Fondatioun Kriibskrank Kanner, which provides vital support to families with children battling cancer or life-threatening rare diseases on a daily basis.
This cause is especially close to our hearts at Anderson Wise, as our dear Partner, Aude François, has a son named Louis (age 9) who was diagnosed with Leukemia in October 2022. Fondatioun Kriibskrank Kanner has been an invaluable source of assistance for their family during this difficult time. To ensure Darren didn’t embark on this journey alone, Louis’ friend Lucas (pictured) joined him and provided great company throughout their adventurous expedition.
Anderson Wise is immensely proud to have supported Darren and Lucas in their noble endeavour, and we extend our heartfelt gratitude to everyone who generously donated. Rest assured that 100% of the proceeds will be devoted to supporting Fondatioun Kriibskrank Kanner and the children and families it serves. Together, we can make a positive impact on their lives and offer them hope in the face of adversity.
Darren and Lucas…
We began our Camino journey in Porto, a vibrant city known for its rich history and famous Port wine. The adventure took us to Póvoa de Varzim, a coastal town with beautiful beaches and a maritime heritage. Walking along the coastline, we continued to Esposende, where the Cavado River meets the Atlantic Ocean, offering us peaceful rural sections and ocean views.
Next, we arrived in Viana do Castelo, a historical city with stunning architecture and cultural heritage. The path led us through vineyards, forests, and tranquil countryside. From Viana do Castelo, we proceeded to Vila Praia de Âncora, a charming fishing village with a relaxing beach atmosphere.
Crossing the border into Spain, we reached A Guarda, a picturesque Galician coastal town known for its ancient Celtic hillfort and breathtaking views of the Miño River estuary and the Atlantic Ocean. Continuing our journey, we arrived in Baiona, a town with a historic old quarter and a beautiful harbour, famous for its association with Christopher Columbus’ return from America.
The next stage took us to Vigo, a bustling port city with a vibrant atmosphere. From there, we walked through small villages and lush forests, eventually reaching the town of Arcade, known for its oysters and a picturesque medieval bridge.
Continuing on, we arrived in Pontevedra, a historic town with a well-preserved old quarter and many interesting churches and squares. The route then led us to Caldas de Reis, where we experienced scenic countryside and passed by vineyards and thermal springs.
The penultimate stage took us to Padrón, a town with strong connections to St. James, and we visited the Church of Santiago, an important stop for many pilgrims. Finally, we completed our pilgrimage by reaching Santiago de Compostela, where we were in awe of the majestic Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, the ultimate destination of our journey. Upon arrival, we received our Compostela certificate and the following day we visited the tomb of St. James marking the end of this unforgettable and transformative experience.