Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity fundraiser completes 200km pilgrimage in memory of husband

In 2025, Elaine Garcia suffered deep losses, suddenly losing both her mum, Gleide, and husband, Javi, just two months apart. Elaine has since turned to walking as a way of healing and focussing on what lies ahead. Inspired by the film The Way, where a father walks the Camino de Santiago (the Way of St. James) after the death of his son, and its connections to Javi's place of birth, Northern Spain, Elaine felt the call to do this pilgrimage. 

Elaine explained: “Though the walk is steeped in spiritual tradition, what struck me is how for many people, it is a personal journey of healing and self-discovery. I wanted to dedicate this walk to my husband and raise money in his memory for Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance. Although he didn’t need their service at the time of his cardiac arrest, I witnessed how vital speed and expertise are in saving lives when every second counts.”  

Elaine spent months training through regular walks, with the support of her friends and family. We would like to extend our best wishes and gratitude to Elaine for her generosity and raising awareness for our Charity, ensuring we can go above and beyond when we’re needed most.   

"Raising money for our vital service in memory of a loved one is truly touching to us. We are honoured to be supported by so many people like Elaine in this way. We thank you for your support, it's because of people like Elaine we can be there for people when they need us most.” - Lucy Dickinson-Hainsworth, Legacy and In-Memory Manager 

Read Elaine's account of the pilgrimage below.  

Elaine's Story

"On Tuesday 21 October 25 my friend Alicia and I completed the Way of St. James pilgrimage (known all over the word as Camino de Santiago). There are several routes /caminos, and we chose the Portuguese Costal with the Spiritual Variant route, which according to Catholic Church tradition, it is believed to be the way in which St. James’s body was brought to Spain ; after he was the first apostle of Jesus martyred in Israel. 

“Although many people do the pilgrimage in observation of Catholic and religious rituals, a large percentage of the 500,000 pilgrims that have walked The Way this year so far, do so for a range of other reasons, some fitness, others for fad, some in memory of loved ones who passed away, historic reasons or to share an experience of community and fellowship with likeminded people. 

“The plan was to walk 148km in 11 days. We ended up walking 180km in nine days (and a total of 200km altogether). It was physically, mentally and spiritually a demanding journey; one of which I would have not completed without my constant seeking of God’s presence and our brethren’s prayers. I still cannot see how I did it, almost like that the body that walked all those mountains and steps did not belong to me. 

“Together we raised in total £1,007.67 for Wiltshire and Bath Air Ambulance Charity, of which £148.67 were raised by Shine friendship café volunteers and clients, £125 from Queensway Friday fellowship group, £21 open lunch patrons. Large part of the money raised came from Queensway Chapel members and also from friends and family.  

I wanted to say thank you to everyone who prayed for us to succeed with the walk, gave us encouragement and support throughout this journey and also those who raised funds for the air ambulance." 

Inspired by Elaine?

Donating in memory of your loved one makes you and them a lifesaver, it's an incredible lasting legacy. We hope that the continuation of our vital service will be a fitting tribute to your loved one.

If you would like further support, please contact Lucy Dickinson-Hainsworth by using the button below.