rise foundation charity camino

Couch to Camino with Andrea Smith and Frances Black for RISE Foundation

Irish singer/songwriter Frances Black and journalist Andrea Smith are raising funds for the RISE Foundation by walking the Camino de Santiago in October.  

Frances Black set up “The RISE Foundation” in order to focus on family members of those with addictive behaviour (alcohol, drugs, gambling, food or sex addiction).

Frances and her team are dedicated to working towards helping family members to free themselves from the stress, anxiety, and worry of having a loved one with addictive behaviour. They also look to understand the nature of addiction and the profound effects it has on relationships.  

Follow the Camino guided The RISE foundation on the Camino Portuguese Coastal Route last year which was thoroughly enjoyed by everyone involved.  

This October, Frances, Andrea and a group of at least 30 others will tackle the Finisterre / Muxia Way of the Camino.This is the third year that Follow the Camino founder Umberto di Venosa will be guiding the group along the Way.

Andrea Smith is writing a weekly article for The Irish Independent about her preparations for the Camino. If you want to follow her progress you the links are below.

Updated (18/08/2015 – 11.00am): Couch to Camino: Andrea Smith came last, but managed to complete her first 5k – 18/08/2015

Updated (25/08/2015 – 11.00am): Couch to Camino: I stalled this week, so had to kick myself up the arse – 25/08/2015

Updated (01/09/2015 – 11.00am): Couch to Camino, week 6: Juicing? When it came to the crunch, I wimped out! – 01/09/2015

Updated (02/09/2015 – 11.00am): Listen live on RTERadio1 – Getting in shape to Walk the Camino – 02/09/2015

Updated (28/09/2015 – 10.00am): Couch to Camino: Andrea Smith faces the final curtain as she sets off for the Camino later this week

Updated (06/10/2015 – 09.30am): Couch to Camino: Andrea Smith is 25km down… but it’s not the ‘gorgeous walk in lovely weather’ she was sold

Updated (07/10/2015 – 09.30am): Couch to Camino: ‘The weather is like Doomsday… and the temptation of a taxi is strong’ – Andrea Smith

Updated (09/10/2015 – 09.30am): Couch to Camino: ‘Maybe the peace got to my head a little, but I began to feel really grateful for my life’ – Andrea Smith

Updated (09/10/2015 – 04.30pm): Couch to Camino: My next challenge will be ‘Camino to Couch’ to put back on the two stone I lost – Andrea Smith

If you have any questions about walking the Camino, our other Camino de Santiago tours or our services, then please don’t hesitate to contact us at info@followthecamino.com

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