One Step at a Time: Cathy’s 270km Camino Challenge for Mind

At Mind, we see every day how important it is to find hope, connection and support during difficult times. Now, one of our own volunteers is taking that message to heart in an extraordinary way.

Cathy Genevie, a volunteer at our Brecon Wellbeing Centre, is preparing to walk 270km along the Camino de Santiago in Spain to raise funds for Mind and support mental health services in our community.

The Camino de Santiago is a historic pilgrimage route travelled by hundreds of thousands of people each year. For many, it is more than just a physical challenge, it is a journey of reflection, healing and personal growth.

For Cathy, the decision to take on the Camino came during a particularly difficult period in her life.

Recently I have experienced several significant losses, and none of my old trusted coping strategies were working to shift the heaviness I was feeling. It felt like I was just putting one foot in front of the other every day – and then in a flash of insight the idea of me walking the Camino de Santiago occurred to me.

A retired yoga teacher, Medical Massage Therapist, former Mental Health Therapist, and Social Worker (phew!), Cathy had wanted to complete the Camino when she was younger but never had the opportunity.

Now, she says, the simple act of focusing on “literally putting one foot in front of the other” is giving her the reset she needs.

But this challenge is far from easy.

Cathy will be walking the 270km route while managing osteoarthritis in both hips, a torn meniscus in her right knee, and other ongoing health concerns. Despite this, she has been preparing physically and mentally for the journey and is determined to see it through.

Every donation made through Cathy’s fundraiser will help us continue supporting people across our community who are facing challenges with their mental health and wellbeing.

We are incredibly grateful to Cathy for taking on this inspiring challenge and sharing her story so openly. Her determination, resilience, and generosity embody the spirit of our community.

If you would like to support Cathy on her Camino journey, you can donate here

Posted on: 12th May 2026