Olwyn Conlon is an NCHD, commencing a Dermatology Registrar post in University Hospital Galway this September. Before beginning her post, Olwyn undertook one of the routes of the Camino de Santiago (Way of St. James) a network of ancient pilgrimage routes that lead to the shrine of the apostle Saint James the Great in the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, Spain. Olwyn chose to fundraise for the Irish Skin Foundation (ISF) during her journey.
Speaking about her decision to take part in the renowned pilgrimage, Olwyn said, “Commencing my first registrar role in Dermatology, I wanted to mark this significant transition in a way that reflected my personal and professional journey. Choosing to walk the Camino de Santiago as a fundraiser for the Irish Skin Foundation felt like a natural and meaningful choice.
“By walking these historic and scenic paths, I hope to bring attention to the vital work of the Irish Skin Foundation. The foundation plays a crucial role in supporting patients, advocating for better care and funding essential research, all of which are critical in advancing the understanding and treatment of dermatological conditions.”
Olwyn continued, “I chose to walk the Camino Norte and Camino Primitivo, routes which are known for their breath-taking beauty and challenging terrains. This involved walking on average 30km per day with elevations that exceeded 1000m. My Camino began in Irún, the starting point of the Camino Norte, which follows the rugged and scenic northern coast of Spain from the Basque Country through Cantabria and Asturias. The Norte feeds into the Camino Primitivo or the ‘Original Way’, which is the first recorded route to Santiago de Compostela, and traverses the mountainous terrain of Asturias and Galicia.
“Walking the Camino has served as a powerful reminder to me of the importance of holistic health and well-being. I hope I may have encouraged others to support the work of the Irish Skin Foundation in improving the quality of life for those affected by skin conditions in Ireland.”
