2011 is upon us. Many of us will have set resolutions (some will have broken theirs) and made big plans for the year ahead.

For Steve Hewitt, challenging himself to one of Spain’s ultimate adventures - The Camino de Santiago walk - will be a highlight of his 2011. And he’s doing it all in the name of Childreach International.

This is Steve's first sponsored trek and one his most exhilarating travelling experiences yet.

“If I said I enjoyed travelling that would really mean self-indulgent Mediterranean holidays, but I’m giving those up this year to do the Camino!”

However Steve, a French and Latin teacher from Norfolk, is not new to walking, having lived in Scotland and Norfolk where scenic walks are plentiful. In fact, over the coming months he’ll be “upping the effort” to train for his trip.

The challenge:

The Camino de Santiago is a medieval pilgrim route running from France to Galicia in Spain. Steve will be completing the trip in two legs. The first part of the trip will take roughly 12 days and involves a tough trek crossing the Pyrenees to Roncesvalles.

Steve describes the second part of his journey as “very hot and gruelling”, travelling across the Meseta Plateau to Leon.  Finally, Steve will cross the beautiful Galician Mountains, arriving in Santiago in mid-August.

“I have wanted to do the Camino for years, and it seemed only right to do it for a cause. I’m most looking forward to being out in the stunning countryside for all that time!”

Steve first decided to fundraise for Childreach International after hearing about a similar adventure from a former pupil of the school he teaches at.

“Every year our school chooses a charity for its major fundraising efforts and Childreach International became our choice this year”

Steve is planning to fundraise using emails, Facebook and letters and would appeal to everyone to visit his Virgin money giving page and give.

To find out how you can challenge yourself in 2011, get involved in one of our Challenge Events or Futurebuilds!