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When we first shared Justine’s story, she was preparing to walk 800 kilometres from Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France across the mountains and plains of Spain. Now, she’s 14 days in, currently resting her feet in the small rural town of Castrojeriz, near the beginning of the vast Meseta Plains.

She still has 23 days ahead. Each day is full of challenge, reflection, and connection.

A community on the move

Justine describes the Camino as more than just a physical journey. It’s a moving community of people from around the world, crossing paths, checking in on one another, walking together and alone, and sharing stories, laughter, and even tears.

“There’s something incredibly special about the Camino community,” Justine says. “We may be strangers, but we look out for each other like whānau.”

Moments of challenge and grace

It hasn’t all been easy. Her toughest moment came early on the second day, walking 27km in the heat after having just crossed the steep and rocky Napoleonic Route of the Pyrenees the day before.

“My body was sore, and the heat made it tough,” she recalls. To top it off, she arrived at the end of the day only to realise her accommodation had changed and was 5km back in the direction she’d just walked. “I got a taxi back!” she laughs now, looking back on it as just one of many unexpected twists on the journey.

Inspiration along the way

Among the most memorable people Justine has met is Craig, a retired paramedic from NSW, Australia, who served for 37 years. Craig now volunteers to support the mental wellbeing of other paramedics, drawing from his own experience with PTSD.

“He can’t stress enough the importance of looking after your mental health and reaching out early when you need help,” Justine says. “Meeting him reminded me again why I’m walking. For the paramedics who give everything, often without being seen.”

A special gift from home

Justine isn’t walking alone in spirit. Before she left, she was gifted a very special hand-painted Wellington Free Ambulance rock by young fundraiser Evelyn from Carterton. Evelyn knows first-hand the value of emergency care, having been supported by Wellington Free after an accident of her own. Since then, she’s been raising funds in all kinds of creative ways, from bracelets to painting and selling kindness rocks in her community.

One of those rocks is now in Justine’s backpack, carried across Spain in memory, hope, and gratitude. When she reaches Santiago, Justine plans to place the rock at the final destination, a small but powerful symbol of connection between two incredible Wairarapa wāhine giving back in their own inspiring ways.

Beauty, simplicity, and surprise

Justine has also been surprised and delighted by the simple joys of the walk, like spotting an otter in the river in Estella, and walking through ancient, picturesque villages where life is slower and people seem deeply content.

“I love the small villages,” she says. “They’re hundreds of years old and so beautiful. People live such simple but happy lives.”

What’s ahead

The next leg of her journey will take her across the Meseta Plains until 23 September, a stretch known for its heat, sparse shade, and long, straight paths that test both body and spirit.

“They really challenge your resilience,” Justine says, “but they also offer space for reflection.”

As she looks ahead, she’s not focused on the finish line but on the beauty of each day, the people she’ll meet, the stories they’ll share, and the thoughts and emotions that come with each step.

“I look forward to the unknown, to what I’ll see, who I’ll meet, and what I’ll learn about myself along the way.”

Walking for love, loss, and legacy

Every step Justine takes is for Michael and for the organisation that stood beside her when she needed it most. Her walk is a tribute to Michael’s strength and mana and a way to support Wellington Free Ambulance, the only free emergency ambulance service in Greater Wellington and the Wairarapa.

She’s aiming to raise $50,000 so that others in crisis can receive the same care and compassion she experienced.

Let’s walk alongside her in spirit and help her reach her goal and a way to support Wellington Free Ambulance as the only emergency ambulance provider for Wairarapa and Greater Wellington.

Donate today to support Justine’s El Camino for Wellington Free Ambulance: visit her Give a Little page.