Walking the Dog on the Camino de Santiago

By Geoff Crawford Join Me

Help me make it meaningful

Mental illness doesn’t discriminate – it affects 1 in 5 Australians every year with symptoms like depression and anxiety. The impact can be devastating, not only for those living with it, but for those around them.

That’s why I’m getting active and  training to walk 800km across Spain to Santiago de Compostela. I am raising funds for the Black Dog Institute - to support crucial mental health research and support services that help Australians impacted by mental illness and suicide. 

Help me create a meaningful moment for mental health as I wend my way across Spain spreading the word about the need to address this important issue, all for a great cause. You can make a one off donation, or sponsor me for the kilometres I plan to walk (800km) at  whatever amount you can afford.

I will provide regular updates on my progress along the way, and happily acknowledge your support at every opportunity. Commercial sponsors are more than welcome to get on board and have their name associated with this venture. I plan to begin my walk in early April 2026 and will complete the journey sometime in Mid May.

We all know someone who is, or has struggled with mental health issues. This is an opportunity to do something for all those people who need some support.

If you can, please donate now. You can donate a lot or a little, just give what your circumstances allow. Every donation will make a difference.

Thank you.

My Achievements

My Updates

I'm on my way!

Friday 3rd Apr
After what seems like a long, long time, The day has come when I fly out to begin one of the most exciting journeys of my life. I really appreciate all of the support I've had from everybody who had donated to my fundraiser, and to all those who will do so before I end my journey at Santiago De Compostela.
My bag is packed and I'm just tying up a few loose ends at home before I make my way to the airport. I'm looking forward to whatever comes along on my Camino. I'm looking forward to talking to lots of people along the way, and maybe making new friends as well. I'm doing this walk to raise money for Black Dog Institute, but also to spend some time reflecting on my life to this point. I'm hoping to find some answers to some questions that have occupied my mind for too long. Hopefully, the walk will help shed some light on what it's all been about. Lots of good times, but a few mistakes as well. 
Stay tuned for more updates along the way.  

Walking the Dog on the Camino de Compostela

Thursday 8th Jan
Only 3 months to go until I take my first steps out of St Jean Pied De Port on the 7th of April. My training is going well despite some back issues, but the folks at Kieser have been looking after me and I'm feeling good. Now that it's getting so close, I'm starting to get a little nervous as the reality of the task ahead starts to sink in. I have managed to raise $733.00 so far and this is spurring me on. Every dollar that comes in inspires me to give it my all. My goal of raising $5000 still seems a long way away and I know there's more work to do if I'm going to make that amount a reality.
I want to thank all my donors so far and call on you to share my project with others who might be able to support the cause. If you know a business owner that could help me out, please let them know where they can find my page.
Winston and I are ready to walk and do our bit, but your help and encouragement is really important to making the dream come true. 
Thanks again everybody,
Geoff

Thank you to my Sponsors

$54.12

Crawford Crawford

Love Peter and Joan

$22.58

Mark Towse

Good luck, mate!

$54.12

Marion

Looks fantastic. Good on you.

$106.12

Julian Cooke

$22.58

Kaitlyn

Have such an amazing time!!

$54.12

Clare Calbert

Hi Brooke’s Dad! Looking forward to the updates 👏🏻

$22.58

Brooke Langskaill

All the best on your fundraising endeavours!

$300

Crawford Kids

Good luck dad! We’re super proud of you!

$27.81

K Rigby

$11.65

Aidan Prewett

Good on you Geoff!

$22.58

Rachel Henderson (nee Grimes)

What an awesome adventure! And a great cause. Have a great time, Geoff.

$11.65

Anonymous

$22.58

Leearna Shaw

Good luck!

$22.58

Ian Gray

Good luck and enjoy!!

$50

Brian Reilly

Best of luck Geoff

$54.12

Gordon Simpson

$22.58

Ellenmarie

Good Luck Geoff

$22.58

David Goldie

$80.25

Tony Reilly

Good luck Geoff, we are all rooting for you.

$75

Ian Mackinnon

$22.58

Beatriz Alves

Enjoy the Camino!

$50

Sharon Noonan.

Amazing undertaking. May the road rise to meet you, may the wind be at your back and the sun on your face. Good luck.

$50

Robert Watt

Good Luck Geoff brilliant cause. Do remember to watch your pace as John will be trying to keep up.

$106.12

Ross Docherty

Good luck Geoff, such a great cause and good on you for not choosing to walk round your block 10 times....., and enjoy you father/son time with our fantastic "Aussie John" Kindest Regards, Ross Doc

$100

Werner

Enjoy your walk!

$474.75

Rachel Pritchard

Good job. It's getting better from my grandmother dying young untreated, my mother getting treatment in her 50's, to me getting treatment in my 20's, but it can still be better yet. Walk that dog's paws off!

$54.12

Robert Condy

Good luck Geoff. Keep safe.

$106.12

Diane

I wish I was walking with you .. a bucket list item .. enjoy & safe travels

$106.12

Anthony Nunan

$100

Grace Gregg

Good luck Geoff. I look forward to following your journey. And who knows, we might meet up between Sahagun and Leon. I start my Camino Madrid early April. Buen Camino.

$54.12

Marion

You are a legend and a rock star!

$54.12

David And Jacky Horn

Keep safe. Enjoy your walk. All our love. X

$50

Christopher & Robyn Carroll

$54.12

Brent & Julie Delahey

Good luck & stay safe xx

$106.12

Michael Considine

What you are doing will make a difference Geoff. Best of luck with your endeavour.

$22.58

David Dowie

$10

Napoleons Sebastopol Cricket Club

$316.50

Second Life Project

Donation on behalf of auction winner Joanne Tyler 💙

$50

Christopher & Robyn Carroll

$1.04k

Cooper Family Charitable Fund

Hi Geoff, A great effort on your part to support mental health services. A long walk and I hope it all goes well. Donation is from our Cooper Family Charitable Fund Best Regards, Barry Cooper (fellow Rotarian)

$100

Christopher & Robyn Carroll

Well done Geoff.

$54.12

Athena Heater

Walk well on the Camino! Looking forward to watching your progress!!

$50

Fiona King

Well done, you!

$106.12

David F

for Danny

$54.12

David Finlayson

All the best Geoff. Great cause.

$27.81

Tracey So

A worthy fundraiser. Enjoy the journey. Safe travels.

$80.25

Greg Anson

Go Geoff . Great cause and experience for you, cheers

$54.12

John Ball

What a trip, enjoy Don’t forget your walking poles

$54.12

Dennis Lovatt

It's a great cause Geoff. Val & I admire and support your efforts in promoting it.

$100

The Kimbers

No hay derecho. (But of course you do 😃)

$100

Christopher Carroll

$22.58

Anonymous

All the best for your adventure and thank you for raising awareness on this important matter throughout your journey! Merry Christmas to you and the family, and Happy New Year when it comes.

$80.25

Geoff Grove

Best wishes for a fantastic challenge!

$54.12

Geoff Crawford