Chaplain Ewen Huffman, who works at the Hinkley Point C (HPC) construction site, recently completed a challenging 500-mile hike along the famed Camino de Santiago, raising an impressive £20,023.78 for our charity.
A Journey Across Northern Spain
From 23rd March to 28th April 2024, Ewen embarked on the Camino Frances route of the Camino de Santiago. This route begins in France, at the foot of the Pyrenees, and stretches 800 kilometres across northern Spain, ending in Santiago de Compostela near the Atlantic coast. This was his second time completing the Camino, having previously walked the route in the spring of 2019.
“The Camino is a real adventure,” Ewen said. “But it’s also a fairly safe one, with well-marked paths and hostels along the way. Still, the terrain is challenging and not for the faint-hearted.”
Weathering the Elements
Unlike his first journey, this time Ewen faced adverse weather conditions, including rain, wind, and storms. He also battled a bit of injury, specifically tendonitis, which forced him to rest in Burgos and consider the possibility of not completing the hike. “Rest, anti-inflammatories, good advice, and listening to my body helped me slowly, but surely, walk back to full fitness and completion,” he shared.
Highlights and Lowlights
The trek was filled with memorable moments, both high and low. One of the standout highlights was reaching O’Cebreiro after a gruelling day’s climb. “Arriving on a hot afternoon after 20 miles and 1,700 metres of up and down felt like a real achievement,” Ewen recalled. However, dealing with tendonitis in Burgos was a significant low point, but his determination to continue prevailed. “If I don’t go, I’ll never know,” he reminded himself.
Support and Fundraising Success
Throughout his journey, Ewen was buoyed by the support of his colleagues at the HPC site, who avidly followed his progress. The hike garnered significant donations, particularly from three of HPC’s Tier 1 employers, who recognised the invaluable support our charity provides to the construction workforce.
Personal Reflections
Reflecting on his accomplishment, Ewen expressed deep satisfaction. “I feel so good for having done it. I’m in a great place spiritually and mentally,” he said. He also highlighted the significance of our charity’s support for the construction industry, which inspired his fundraising efforts. “I wanted to give back something of what they give to us/me, and I managed to raise £20k for them in total,” Ewen stated proudly.
As Ewen continues his work as a chaplain, he remains committed to supporting the wellbeing of the construction workforce.
