A County Cavan woman has walked the Camino to support families affected by addiction.
Karen Coyle undertook this challenge to raise funds for Family Addiction Support Network, a service that offers support to families impacted by addiction.
FASN supports people affected by a loved ones addiction problems, through one to one support, counselling and educational workshops.
Karen began her walk in Tui, on the Portuguese-Spanish border, and completed the demanding section of the Camino.
She described the experience as wonderful and unforgettable, noting it was an emotional and physical challenge.
A FASN spokesperson said Karen's journey not only raised vital funds, but helped give a voice to families who are often suffering in silence.
Speaking to Northern Sound, Karen said, she had the plan for a while.
"So I had planned to do it in 2020, but unfortunately, Covid happened and I had to cancel. So then it came up again. I just saw it on a news feed and I thought, yes, the time is right for me now. I did it with Camino Group Tours. So I actually went on my own. I have been attending FASN, the Family Addiction Support Network, for over a year, and I knew that they didn't get a lot of funding. I thought it would be a nice opportunity to raise some funds just to give back."
