Walking for My Sins & The Sins and Pain of Others

By Peter Simmonds

I'm challenging myself!

La traduction française se trouve ci-dessous.

This year, I’m taking on the ACRF Challenge by embarking on a solo journey of 760 kilometres across France, following the ancient pilgrimage route from Le Puy to Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (SJPP) — one of the historic Camino de Santiago routes leading to Santiago de Compostela.

Like pilgrims have done for centuries, I’ll carry everything I need on my back. But I’ll also be carrying something far more meaningful: the hopes, burdens, and symbolic "sins" entrusted to me by others, as an act of support for those who are unable to make the journey themselves. This pilgrimage is my way of helping to carry the weight of a disease that affects so many families, while raising vital funds for the Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF).

Cancer impacts us all. In fact, 2 in 5 Australians will be diagnosed with cancer before the age of 85. By supporting my journey, you'll be helping ACRF fund world-class research that is transforming the way we prevent, diagnose and treat all types of cancer, bringing us closer to a world without cancer.

Two years ago, I walked the 800-kilometre Camino Francés across northern Spain, beginning in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, I managed to raise a tad under  $10,000 for cancer research. Thanks to the incredible generosity of friends, family and supporters, every step became an opportunity to make a difference.

Throughout this journey, I'll once again share daily updates and photos on Facebook so you can follow my progress, the beautiful landscapes, and the people I meet along the way. When I arrive in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, I'll continue the centuries-old tradition of seeking absolution for the symbolic burdens I've carried—both my own and those entrusted to me by others.

Every donation, no matter the size, helps fund Australia's brightest cancer researchers with the cutting-edge technology they need to make life-saving discoveries. Your support means giving hope to the people who need it most—someone you know, someone you love, your family, your friends, your community, or perhaps even yourself.

Thank you for supporting my journey and for helping bring us one step closer to a world without cancer.

Translation to French.

Cette année, je relève le défi de l'ACRF en entreprenant un périple en solitaire de 760 kilomètres à travers la France, en suivant l'ancien chemin de pèlerinage reliant Le Puy à Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port (SJPP) — l'un des itinéraires historiques du chemin de Saint-Jacques-de-Compostelle.

Comme les pèlerins le font depuis des siècles, je porterai tout ce dont j'ai besoin sur mon dos. Mais je porterai aussi quelque chose de bien plus significatif : les espoirs, les fardeaux et les « péchés » symboliques que d'autres m'ont confiés, en signe de soutien envers ceux qui ne peuvent pas entreprendre ce voyage eux-mêmes. Ce pèlerinage est ma façon d'aider à porter le poids d'une maladie qui touche tant de familles, tout en récoltant des fonds essentiels pour l'Australian Cancer Research Foundation (ACRF).

 Le cancer nous touche tous. En effet, deux Australiens sur cinq recevront un diagnostic de cancer avant l'âge de 85 ans. En soutenant mon aventure, vous aiderez l'ACRF à financer une recherche de classe mondiale qui transforme la manière dont nous prévenons, diagnostiquons et traitons tous les types de cancer, nous rapprochant ainsi d'un monde sans cancer. 

Il y a deux ans, j'ai parcouru les 800 kilomètres du *Camino Francés* dans le nord de l'Espagne ; au départ de Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, j'ai réussi à récolter un peu moins de 10 000 dollars pour la recherche contre le cancer. Grâce à l'incroyable générosité de mes amis, de ma famille et de mes soutiens, chaque pas est devenu une occasion de faire bouger les choses. 

Tout au long de ce périple, je partagerai à nouveau des nouvelles et des photos chaque jour sur Facebook afin que vous puissiez suivre ma progression, admirer les paysages magnifiques et découvrir les personnes que je rencontrerai en chemin. À mon arrivée à Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port, je perpétuerai la tradition séculaire consistant à demander l'absolution pour les fardeaux symboliques que j'aurai portés — les miens comme ceux qui m'ont été confiés par autrui. Chaque don, quel que soit son montant, permet de fournir aux chercheurs australiens les plus brillants les technologies de pointe dont ils ont besoin pour réaliser des découvertes vitales. Votre soutien apporte de l'espoir à ceux qui en ont le plus besoin : une connaissance, un être cher, votre famille, vos amis, votre communauté, ou peut-être même vous-même.

 Merci de soutenir mon parcours et de nous aider à nous rapprocher d'un monde sans cancer.

Thank you to my Sponsors

$2k

Tim Crommelin

Good luck on your journey Peter

$400

Elaine

You're making great, Peter. Loving your Facebook diaries.

$350

Excercise Class Gals

From all the gals at exercise class. Good luck.

$265

Sue And Graham Moore

good luck Peter a very worthy cause

$265

Trish

For the love of Janey. A noble endeavor Peter. With you in spirit. Bon chance Mon Ami xx

$215

Ann Mccallum

A big adventure ahead !! Looking forward to tracking your progress. Every little bit helps.

$215

Bernadette & Max

Good luck Peter

$200

Lorraine Stephenson

Peter, enjoy yourself, good luck and travel safely. Lorraine

$200

Gary

Well done Peter & very best wishes on your challenge & journey

$133.44

Brett Greenland

Safe travels Peter 🙏

$133.44

Kirby Family

We are thinking of you, Peter! Sending ❤️

$125

Janet

Mr S Just love your heart behind doing this. You are a legend and a hero. May you stay well and safe on your walk I pray

$125

The Stewart Fam

In memory of Janie ❤️ Following closely, Peter. Keep up the effort and the updates. Amazing effort. The Kagoola neigbours miss you, but we are cheering on every Camino step.

$106.75

Michele Rowse

You are incredibly inspiring x

$106.75

Cheryl ,henry Ellison

Enjoying your trip for such a good cause

$106.75

Ann Dean

Really inspired by your pilgrimage Peter, you are going well. 😃❤️🇫🇷

$106.75

Flynn Family 💓

All the best on the journey Pete you are amazing 🤩

$106.75

Anonymous

$106.75

Guy Waddingham

Good effort Peter; I’m sure it will be a life enhancing experience. Janie would be proud !

$100

Bev & Peter Gym Class

Good luck.

$60

Gym Class Gals ..

Peter, good luck on your venture, we will be thinking of you.

$55.95

Dave Richards

Smash it Pete!

$55.95

Gary Coward

I hope the old limbs are still up to it and the soul benefits as much as the charity.

$55.95

Joseph Breen

Wonderful to follow your walk! Thinking of all the times we ran into each other on the Frances after meeting in Trabadelo in 2017. Best wishes!

$55.95

Liz From Exercise Class

Good luck Pete you are doing an amazing thing here Stay safe

$55.95

Kate Crompton

Best of Luck!

$55.95

Bev K

Safe travels Peter, made in memory of my sister Kay

$55.95

Carol Little

Best wishes for another Camino

$55.95

Vicky Nicoll

My beautiful son died of cancer in his twenties., In honour of him I support cancer research every opportunity offered. And this is another wonderful opportunity. I know every little bit helps Thankyou for doing this Peter

$55.95

Marilyn Jackson

Safe travels Peter and enjoy your journey.

$50

Samantha Laidlaw And Family

In memory of beautiful Mama. Safe onward journey of 10,000 steps (and the rest!). X

$50

Warrick

Peter, safe travels.

$50

Chloe Simmonds

In memory of Janie & my dad, both taken too soon ❤️

$40

Anonymous

Loving the photos and enjoying the walk with you. Take Care and huge hugs

$30

John Bennet

Good luck, we will miss you at class! Not..