Algarve resident Bruce Lygo will be walking 160 kilometres, from Cape St Vincent, Sagres, to his home in Foral da Larga Vista, to raise funds for the Silves-based charity Castelo de Sonhos, which helps underprivileged families in the Algarve.
Bruce decided that for a “special treat” for his up-and-coming 70th birthday, on April 6, he would try to assist local people who have not been so fortunate in their lives. For this, he will walk part of the ancient pilgrims’ way which will take some eight days to complete (see itinerary).
Bruce has been living permanently in Foral for 12 years but bought the property in 1989 originally as a holiday home in an area that he says he loves.
“I have in the past sent furniture and other items for use by Castelo de Sonhos but wanted to help this very worthy charity further,” he said.
“I have so far reconnoitred most of the proposed route which will be mainly following the Via Algarviana.”
Bruce has already booked accommodation along the way and his wife Jennifer and neighbour Sandra will be taking him to, and picking him up from, each day’s walk.
Jennifer is also arranging a birthday party for Bruce on April 6, which will be a celebration for family and friends and, hopefully, fellow stage walkers too.
“The finish line celebration is being organised by my wife as a surprise,” said Bruce, who originates from London but lived in various parts of the UK before moving to Portugal.
About the charity
The Castelo de Sonhos undertakes to care and provide for the needy people in their area. All families must be registered with the charity so that food, clothing and furniture can be fairly distributed.
The charity relies almost entirely on donations and its main body of workers are volunteers.
A total of 2,036 families are registered with Castelo de Sonhos, which totals around 8,350 people in need of help.
The charity also has technicians working with them, including one psychologist and one sociologist, who are helping 31 families at risk who between them have 50 children.
These technicians help to train the families in self-help, and endeavour to keep together families who would otherwise cease to function as a unit.
Castelo de Sonhos has two shops, one to sell donated clothes, furniture and bric-a-brac, raising money to pay towards running costs, while the other shop holds clothes, food and furniture which are distributed on a monthly basis free of charge. This shop is divided in two, one half of which is exclusively for babies and toddlers, supplying all their needs from birth to five years old, such as bedding, cots, beds, clothes and toiletries – anything that is needed by mums-to-be and the babies is supplied free of charge.
Bruce hopes people will “dig deep” and donate. “No amount is too small and I can assure you that the monies will be used wisely by the fantastic, caring volunteers of Castelo de Sonhos,” he concluded.
Any person wishing to join Bruce for part of the walk will be very welcome.
To donate: Caixa de Crédito Agrícola Nº 40209663639
NIB 0045 7130 40209663639 29
|| Itinerary
March 30
Walk commences at 12 noon at Cape St. Vincent and goes to Vila do Bispo
March 31
Vila do Bispo to Bensafrim
April 1
Bensafrim to Marmelete
April 2
Marmelete to Monchique
April 3 and 4
Monchique to Silves
April 5
Silves to Algoz
April 6
Algoz to Foral da
Larga Vista
