Walking the Winter Way: A Journey with Purpose.

As the CEO of Yes to Life, I am often asked why I choose to dedicate myself to this cause, and more recently, why I decided to walk the Camino de Santiago’s Winter Way this October alongside three incredible companions. This journey is much more than a physical challenge. It is a deeply personal mission that intertwines my own story, the stories of so many people touched by cancer, and the hope that underpins everything we do at Yes to Life.

This journey holds a deeply personal significance for me beyond the mission of Yes to Life. My family’s roots run deep in Galicia, and starting the Winter Way in O Barco de Valdeorras holds profound meaning for me. It is the place where my father was born and where he now rests after his passing. Walking from there feels like a tribute to him—a way to honour his memory with each step I take along the trails he once knew. At the same time, this pilgrimage is also for my mother, who is still bravely living after 20 years with cancer. Every mile is a testament to their strength, love, and the enduring bond of family that gives me the determination to raise awareness and support through this journey.

The Camino de Santiago has long been a symbol of pilgrimage and transformation. For centuries, pilgrims have walked its paths in search of clarity, healing, and renewal. The Winter Way, also known as the Camino de Invierno in Spanish, is one of its lesser-known routes. It follows ancient Roman roads, winding through the misty forests and rugged landscapes of Galicia. It is quieter, often more challenging, and demands a level of endurance and resilience that I believe perfectly mirrors the cancer journey—unpredictable, demanding, but ultimately transformative.

Why the Winter Way, and why now? For me, the answer lies in the essence of what Yes to Life stands for. For over 20 years, this charity has been a beacon of hope and support for people facing cancer. Our work is rooted in the belief that every person deserves to be informed, empowered, and supported to make decisions about their cancer treatment with clarity and confidence. This is not just about medical choices—it’s about nurturing the whole person, mind, body, and spirit.

Walking this Camino alongside Robin Daly MBE, Sue De Cesare, and Sara Spinks is an act of solidarity and a tribute to everyone who has been part of this journey with us—from survivors to carers, volunteers to staff and supporters. It is a manifestation of the determination, compassion, and community that Yes to Life has built. Each step we take will be a silent promise: that we will continue to fight for better support, greater understanding, and a more compassionate approach to cancer care.

The Camino demands more than just physical strength; it calls for an openness to vulnerability and a willingness to confront one’s fears and hopes. This journey through the cold and often unforgiving landscapes of Galicia will challenge us, but it will also give us space to reflect deeply on the journeys of those we walk for. I carry the stories of many people in my heart—those who have felt lost in the overwhelming maze of cancer treatment options, those who have faced despair, and those who have found renewed hope through the support of Yes to Life. These stories inspire every step I take.

Our goal is to raise £40,000 to help Yes to Life continue providing free, evidence-based information and integrative support for people affected by cancer across the UK. This fundraising target is more than a number; it represents hope for countless people who need guidance, compassion, and practical help in their cancer journey. Every pound raised enables us to expand our outreach, offer more support groups, and connect more people to integrative therapies that can improve quality of life during and after treatment.

This walk will see us covering over 230 kilometres, facing the unpredictability of the weather and the physical demands of the route. Yet, it is a challenge I embrace wholeheartedly. I know that with every mile, every step, I am helping to carry forward the mission of Yes to Life in a very tangible way.

I invite you to join us on this journey. Whether by donating, sharing our story, or simply walking with us in spirit, your support matters deeply. You can contribute directly at Hold My Walking Stick Challenge on JustGiving. Every contribution, no matter the size, fuels our ability to continue making a difference in people’s lives.

Thank you for standing with us. Thank you for believing in the power of informed choice, integrative care, and human connection. And thank you for walking this path with us, even if only in spirit.

From the bottom of my heart,
Miquel León-Canete
CEO, Yes to Life