Salobreña resident Helen McCormack and four sure-footed friends recently completed a three-day trek over mountain paths from Venta Maria bar in Órgiva to Nigüelas. Their mini adventure has raised 100€ for Acompalia, the Granada based hospice and palliative care charity that was launched in 2011.
The team, led by Helen, comprised her Dutch friend Cecelia and Cecilia’s twin daughters, 15 year old Anna Loula and Antonia Rosa. The fourth member, Pepita, is a 10-year old donkey.
Helen and her colleagues called in at Acompalia’s History Lunch on Tuesday 15 October to pick up some sponsorship before setting off on the trek. Helen said that Pepita is always keen to go for a walk, but was not too happy about the preliminary step of getting into the trailer. “Some Spanish neighbours kindly helped us to coax her in,” she said, adding that there were highs and lows for them and their furry fundraiser during the walk:
“At one stage, trudging uphill in hot sunshine from ñOrgiva, Pepita’s legs folded and she just went down. We rested her for an hour or so and she was fine!” On Wednesday afternoon, they were greeted by the Mayor of Lanjarón and Acompalia supporters. After that, things just got better. “At one point, just before the Lecrín track joins the GR7, we found an idyllic, grassy chestnut grove,” says Helen. Pepita had a rest and feasted on the grass, and was in a much better mood next day!”
Helen embarked on the walk to highlight the importance of Acompalia. “Of course I hoped to raise money, but most importantly to raise awareness of the services Acompalia plans to offer. Palliative Care and Acompalia’s planned Helpline will provide much needed comfort for local cancer sufferers, and I’m happy to spread the word.”
Acompalia’s president, Tina Emmott, welcomes further enquiries about Acompalia fundraising events and how to get involved with this worthwhile cause. Please call her on: 958 784 055.
Background
Acompalia was launched in 2012 to provide palliative care services to cancer patients of all ages and their families, in Granada and the Costa Tropical. The Acompalia team is raising funds towards its first goal; to set up a Telephone Helpline staffed by trained, caring counsellors and nurses.
“When someone is told they have a terminal disease they want to talk as soon as possible to someone who will understand their feelings,” says Tina Emmott, founder and president of Acompalia. “By contacting our Helpline, they would be able to get support from a counsellor who understands what they are going through.”
The team is busy with plans for more fundraising events in the coming months, and keen to hear from readers who would like to hold an event of their own in support of Acompalia.
(News: Salobrena, Costa Tropical, Granada, Andalucia=