Holding a 650km promise

When Margaret Parker's beloved husband was diagnosed with terminal cancer last year, she made him a deal that will next week see her begin a 650km walk, half way across the world.

Since Terry's death on January 14, the 68-year-old Pahoia resident has clocked up more than 400km training to walk the renowned Spanish Camino trail.

Margaret Parker packs for her 650km walk in memory of her late husband Terry. Photo by Bruce Barnard.

'And guess what his [Terry's] response was? ‘Thank Heaven I'll be dead and won't have to do it',” laughs Margaret.

'On January 20 I started walking again for the first time in six years. I can do 20km a day now with a pack on, before I could only do 4km.”

Margaret and Terry were married for 25 years. In the last four years they have together suffered four bouts of cancer.

'Walking has really been the most wonderful therapy for the thing,” says Margaret. 'It's just so beautiful.”

Despite the hours – and hours – of walking to prepare, Margaret doesn't regret her in-the-moment promise to Terry.

'He would have been slightly bemused, but I think he would be really pleased that I've gotten off my tail and done something.

'I think if I hadn't of committed myself to him that I would do it, I would have just sat around and eaten. But now I can walk, and sit around and eat too.”

Approaching 69, Margaret is feeling good ahead of her trip. She's gained a solid pair of legs and despite walking for hours most days, has lost just 2kg.

She estimates her journey will take six weeks, with 29km being the longest walk she'll make in a day. There is also an altitude difference of 2000m during one section of the trail.

Her stepson, who lives in England, will walk the final week with her.

Margaret will be pleased to see the training end, but is excited to explore some of New Zealand's walks next year.

'I think that this training has made me really appreciate how fabulous our country is. We take it for granted.”

Margaret will begin in late April in Lisbon, and finish in Santiago de Compostela in June.

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