Convoy woman Jude Bromley will be walking part of the Camino de Portuguese this year in aid of Cardiac Risk in the Young (CRY) Ireland.

In September, Jude, alongside 14 others will be flying from Dublin to Portugal for the special pilgrimage. Jude plans to cover 118km of the Camino from Tui to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.

Sadly, Jude’s mother passed away at the age of 46 due to a rare genetic problem that causes cardiac problems.

Jude’s family first learned of CRY Ireland after her sister had a stroke 10 years ago, only to find out it was a genetic condition that caused dilated cardiomyopathy. Through the help of CRY Ireland, Jude discovered that she and other members of their family also carry the same condition. Two sisters (including Jude) had an ICD ( implantable cardioverter defibrillator) implanted within their chest, correcting any cardiac arrhythmias. Since then, Jude has been an advocate for CRY Ireland and healthy living. Jude is originally from Raphoe and works as a veterinary nurse.

CRY Ireland is a charity that was set up with the aim to raise awareness of Sudden Cardiac Death or Sudden Adult Death Syndrome through media campaigns and information evenings, to provide counselling and support for families affected by sudden death or cardiac conditions and to support the Centre for Cardiovascular Risk in Young Persons (CRYP).

With CRY Ireland, many people are supported and monitored, through site testing, check-ups, support lines and counselling.

Jude said that the Camino walk is “for those we’ve lost and for those who still fight”.

The walk begins on Friday the 23rd of September when All-Ireland Kerry footballer Aidan O’Mahony will lead the team to walk a section of the pilgrimage from Tui to Santiago.

Donations can be made through the gofundme page at: https://gofund.me/cb202b3c