Freddie Waite, 35, from Watford has cycled the Camino de Santiago in aid of Honeypot Children’s Charity. The 800k/6.5km journey to the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain, is full of ascents and begins in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. He completed the momentous task in an amazing 12 days. The route also known as the Way of Saint James is often taken as a pilgrimage.

Why did you decide on cycling as your fundraiser?

I have always been a runner and last year I decided to take up cycling, mainly for exercise! But, also to freely and sustainably travel, and for the headspace (pedalling is my meditation!).

There were a lot of hikers along my route, also staying in the Auberges along the way. It's certainly a different experience by bicycle, I did feel a bit of an outsider at some points. I’d recommend getting a bike bell, something I need for next time to avoid the hikers!

Why did you want to fundraise for honeypot?

I've had caring responsibilities all throughout my adult life, My brother had an acquired brain injury and more recently my father had a neurological condition called Progressive Supranuclear Palsy, similar to Parkinson's Disease. He passed away this July, 14 years after his first diagnosis. His condition was pretty manageable for a long while and he even did some fundraising of his own - organising and playing in charity golf tours with other players with neurological conditions, raising money for the National Brain Appeal.

His condition particularly took hold over the last six years and I worked part-time so I could help look after him. Being a carer has been the toughest and most rewarding experience of my life. It brings such a wide and complicated range of emotions I think only those who've done it can truly understand. It has definitely shaped who I am and I think made me a better person for it - in developing resilience, empathy, compassion for others and knowing what's important in life.

I specifically wanted to do something for young carers, I remember reading an article about childcarers in National Carers Week a few years ago. It really shocked me.

“ Wow, these young people are incredible!
I was just totally in awe really.”

I know how difficult caring is firsthand, they need our support! I'd not heard of Honeypot. After some googling I found that you are the only UK charity dedicated to young carers, and that was it!

What was your highlight of the trip?

I really love animals. One morning I saw a red squirrel. (I can't remember ever seeing one before). Plus the many stray cats along the way.

What was the toughest part of your trip?

The toughest part was cycling up and over the Pyrenees on the first day. The climb was 1.5km of altitude. Also, the issue of getting enough fuel for the journey, and trying to eat enough food to power the legs was a struggle! You burn around 700 calories an hour cycling. Trying to eat 6,000 vegetarian calories a day in rural Spain is pretty difficult!

Freddie has raised an amazing £1,535! This could pay for a full year’s Wrap-Round support for one child (Including a respite break, an online creative workshop, and a £100 Wellbeing grant for one child.) and a SEAL break for one child, to build a child’s belief they can succeed in education.

Thank you for raising such an amazing amount for young carers Freddie!

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If you would like to find out more about Freddie’s trip you can follow his Instagram and donate via the button.