Going the extra mile: best friends walk the Camino Ingles and raise over €4,000 for PAWS-PATAS

There are many different ways to help your local animal charity, from volunteering and donating to adopting, giving an animal a second chance at life. However, two animal lovers in Almeria have gone the extra mile. Literally.

Shaun Garner from Channel 4’s Sun, Sea and Selling Houses and his best friend Emily Cornwell recently completed the 131-kilometre Camino Ingles up through the North of Spain, raising money for PAWS-PATAS Animal Shelter along the way.

Shauna and Emily take on the Camino Ingles for PAWS-PATAS

Beginning in Ferrol, the best-friends trekked through towns, villages and rural countryside, soaking up the beautiful views along the way. Every night they collapsed into bed, only to wake up before the sun the next day to do it all over again.

Each leg brought its own challenges, from steep climbs to relentless rain. But despite the difficulties, Emily and Shaun’s spirits remained high. Their feet might have been aching and stinging from blisters but still they had a pep in their step.

In fact, Shaun and Emily tracked exactly how many steps they walked. Over the five-day journey, Shaun walked 172,000 steps, and Emily, hindered by slightly shorter legs, walked 196,000, putting into perspective the enormity of this challenge.

Camino Ingles fundraiser raises more than €4,000

Even more incredibly than how much they walked, is how much they raised. By the time the pair reached their final destination in Santiago, their fundraiser had reached €4,354. Before they’d even set floor on the trail, they had raised upwards of €1,000. Over 150 donations were collected. Every single one – whether a €10 pledge or €100 – will make a huge difference for the cats and dogs at PAWS-PATAS.

How the funds will support PAWS-PATAS

PAWS-PATAS will put this money to good use, covering the cost of food, veterinary care, and shelter maintenance. It also means the animals in their care will enjoy a few more treats over the coming months. The GoFundMe fundraiser will remain live for anyone wishing to donate.

Shaun and Emily, who have seen first-hand the challenges the shelter face, did their part. Now PAWS-PATAS are searching for volunteers to join the team. You don’t have to walk hundreds of kilometres to help. Just a few hours a day can make a real difference.

To join the PAWS-PATAs team, visit www.paws-patas.org.