The Camino Tramp

By Tony Saliba

My Updates

3 Weeks on the Camino

Tuesday 7th Oct
Three Weeks on the Camino

Three weeks in and the Camino has already delivered a mix of challenge, rhythm, and reward that’s hard to put into words. From crossing the Pyrenees on Day 1 to reaching the city of León on Day 21, it’s been over 450 km of changing landscapes, weather, and moods.

The first week was about testing limits — steep climbs, long descents, and finding a daily rhythm. The second week settled into steadier ground through the vast openness of the Meseta, where the quiet stretches became perfect for reflection. By the third week, the pace felt natural, and each day’s walk blended effort with calm.

There have been countless highlights along the way — the medieval streets of Pamplona, the cathedrals of Burgos and León, the golden fields of the Meseta, and small village cafés that appear just when you need them. The kindness of locals and camaraderie among fellow pilgrims have made the journey even more meaningful.

Reaching León during the San Froilán Festival felt like perfect timing — the energy of the celebrations marking not just a city milestone, but a personal one too. Three weeks down, and the body feels stronger, the pack lighter, and the focus clearer.

Roughly 300 km remain to Santiago — still a long road ahead, but the sense of purpose and perspective that’s come from these first three weeks makes the path forward feel both grounded and exciting.

2 weeks and counting

Tuesday 2nd Sep
With less than 2 weeks before I set off on my Camino walk, I just want to say a huge thank you for your generous support of my fundraising for Chris O’Brien Lifehouse. Your kindness means the world to me.

Every year, more than 150,000 Australians are diagnosed with cancer, and sadly over 50,000 lives are lost. Research and holistic care are changing that story—helping people not just survive, but live with dignity, comfort, and hope.

Lifehouse is incredible in the way it brings together cutting-edge research, world-class treatment, and compassionate, whole-person care. Every dollar you’ve donated helps make that possible, giving real hope to patients and their families.

As I take each step along the Camino, I’ll be carrying your generosity with me—and reminding myself that together, we’re walking towards something bigger: better treatments, more breakthroughs, and brighter futures.

A Journey of Hope

Monday 12th May

In Memory, In Hope: Support Chris O’Brien Lifehouse Through My Camino de Santiago

Honouring Loved Ones, Empowering Cancer Care

In 2020, I lost my father to pancreatic cancer-a loss that still shapes my life and fuels my commitment to making a difference for others facing the same battle. Like so many families, I have seen the devastation cancer brings, but I have also witnessed the hope, expertise, and compassion offered by the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse. In memory of my father and all those who have fought or are fighting cancer, I am embarking on the Camino de Santiago this September to raise funds for Lifehouse. Every dollar raised will go directly to support their extraordinary work.

Why Chris O’Brien Lifehouse?

Chris O’Brien Lifehouse is more than a hospital-it is a sanctuary for patients and families navigating the complexities of cancer. As a not-for-profit, comprehensive cancer centre in Sydney, Lifehouse delivers integrated care: from diagnosis and advanced treatments to supportive therapies and wellness services, all under one roof. Their mission is to transform lives with compassion, innovation, and research-driven care.

My Challenge: The Camino de Santiago

This September, I will walk the historic Camino de Santiago-a journey of reflection, endurance, and hope. The Camino is not just a physical challenge; it is a spiritual and emotional pilgrimage, echoing the journey faced by every cancer patient and their loved ones. By supporting my walk, you are helping Lifehouse continue their mission and extend their impact to more families in need.

How Your Donation Helps

Your generosity will:

·      Fund world-class cancer treatment, research, and supportive care at Lifehouse.

·      Support innovative projects that bring new therapies and hope to patients.

·      Honour the memory of loved ones lost and empower those still fighting.

Any amount will make a difference

I invite you to support this cause that means so much to me and to countless others. Every donation, large or small, goes directly to Chris O’Brien Lifehouse and will help transform lives. Together, we can honour those we have lost, support those still fighting, and create hope for the future.

 

Thank you and please share this page with your friends, family, and networks. Let’s walk this path together-towards hope, healing, and a world where cancer’s burden is lighter for all.

 

Thank you

Tony – The Camino Tramp

Thank you to my Sponsors

$158.25

Trevor

Congrats on your successful tramp - supporting such a worthy cause. Happy Birthday Tony!

$106.12

Denis O Brien

Congratulations Tony, you are a legend. Well done.

$500

Frank Hanna

Thanks for letting me tag along. It was fun!

$54.12

Edita Rahdon Onatopp

Wishing you all the best on your most worthy quest

$263.75

Christie Russell

Nice one! Thanks for keeping Frank safe! I need him back!

$106.12

Shari

Congratulations 👏👏 Respect to you both on the pilgrimage of a lifetime.❤️

$54.12

Tony Doherty

Great effort and cause Tony!

$54.12

Caitlin Thompson

Good luck for the reminder of your trek Tony! Looks like you’ve been absolutely smashing it!

$80.25

Dennis Surlan

Great achievement Tony! Walking all those kms for such a great cause!

$106.12

Eddie

Hey mate,what a great journey to vicariously follow you on, and what a way to honour your dad. Would love to catch up over a beer and hear all about it. It may have to wait until you regrow the soles of your feet

$106.12

Praneel Singh

Keep on going Tony!!!

$100

Nick Shalhoub

Unbelievable job boys!

$106.12

Annelyn S

Hope Frank isn’t driving you too crazy.

$106.12

Lyndie Driver-smith

So impressive what you’re doing Tony, loving following your posts. Enjoy the final stretch.

$106.12

Maria & Mario Cocciolone

Admirable tribute to your dad Tony, God bless 🙏🏻

$211

Dominique Scholl

All the best as you approach the end of the Camino. Thank you for your efforts and raising awareness for the Chris O’Brien Lifehouse.

$106.12

Garry Booker

Great cause, go well brother!

$103.72

Chris Vaughan

Hey Tony. Hopefully we'll catch up for that drink. The Camino is an amazing experience ! Sorry I needmed this link so I could donate from my phone xxx

$54.12

Tina Ebejer

Good luck Tony 💜

$54.12

Peter & Maria Cipolla

God Bless and Heal all cancer sufferers 🙏🙏❤️❤️❤️

$50

Rosemary Saul

$106.12

Nick Chipizubov

Чемпион 🎖️

$106.12

Vic Jokovic

Well done and I inspirational!

$54.12

Veronique Johansson

Wishing you well for the last kms Tony . Almost there . What an amazing cause

$158.25

Robert And Leena Dib

What an incredible thing to do to honour your dad. Great work

$106.12

Tony Tamine

Well done Tony!

$54.12

Anthony Vassiliou

Good stuff Tony.

$106.12

Abhishek Kallappa

$211

Aunty Rose Roumanos

So proud of you. Love Aunty Rose

$106.12

Anonymous

A-M-A-Z-I-N-G effort Tony. You’ve got this. 💪🏼💪🏼 Heartfelt congrats. 🥰

$27.81

Donna Borg

$33.15

Jose Diaz Castro

What a beautiful way to celebrate your dad and his memory. Keep up your spirits and say hello to that beautiful part of Spain (my family origins) for me.

$106.12

Rose & Connie

Tony, we just want to say how proud and inspired we are by what you’re doing. Walking the Camino is such an incredible journey in itself, but doing it in aid of cancer research makes it even more powerful and meaningful. Your strength, commitment, and heart are making a real difference. Keep going—you’ve got so many people cheering you on every step of the way. Grateful for you and inspired by your courage.

$106.12

Anne-maree Tonkin

$54.12

Amanda Teece

Go Tony! Good luck for the rest of your journey-What a wonderful achievement 🥰

$200

Libby And Roger Eichler

Walking the Camino is no small feat, but doing it in memory of your dad and to raise money for such a meaningful cause makes every step even more powerful. What a beautiful way to honour your dad, carrying his spirit with you along the path. Your courage, strength, and heart are inspiring. Wishing you steady feet, open skies, and moments of peace and reflection as you walk. Your dad would be so proud as are your friends and family xx

$211

Sam

Great cause. We are very proud of you. Uncle Sam

$75

Annie Chakty

Tony I am Annie your lovely Mum’s neighbor. What a wonderful thing to do for a great cause that is close to my heart. The walk will no doubt leave you changed forever! Both my parents died from cancer. Mum had pancreatic just like your dad. The Chris O’Brien Life house was where they spent their last days under exceptional care. God bless your steps.

$54.12

Shane Pophfer

Godspeed Mate x

$54.12

Jaimi Usher

Go Tony! Wishing you all the best on the journey!

$106.12

Ben

What a trip! Fantastic work mate, we're all cheering you on from here in Aus! Look forward to sharing a beer and hearing the stories when you are back home. Keep it up!!

$54.12

Alicia Miller

Good luck out there! Hope you can reach your goals.

$300

Joshua Duncan

Tony, your walk on the The Camino Tramp is a powerful tribute in memory of your father and in hope for everyone impacted by cancer. I am honored to support your fundraising for Lifehouse.

$54.12

Chantal Guziak

Hope you enjoyed the trek Tony and well done on raising $ and awareness for such an important cause.

$52.92

Henry Lewis

Enjoy the walk Tony, such a great cause.

$206.20

Rachael S

Proud of you Pops!

$80.25

Andy Roost

Great effort Mate👏💪👍

$106.12

Michelle Shalhoub

Good luck Tony! Wonderful cause, Mich x

$106.12

Anonymous

Congratulations on embarking on this great journey mate! We are all so proud of you.

$54.12

Daz

Great cause and great experience!

$106.12

Lemonia Kormas

$80.25

Lillian Samyia-ayoub

Great cause, all the very best Tony

$106.12

Naomi C

Good luck! Have a great tramp and wonderful to support such a great cause!

$106.12

Shaun

All the best Tony, great cause!

$17.16

Marina K

Have a great trip Tony, great cause!

$103.72

Ed Soo

You will show your inner Penrith Panthers spirit when you smash this trek Tony. Such a great cause and very inspiring. Have a great time!

$1.02k

Matt

Well done Dad, always pushing yourself to live life to the most, and doing it for a great cause. Super proud as always. P.s. good to see you're putting those genetically gifted calves to good use.

$80.25

Trina Shnier

Great cause Tony, good luck with the walk! Will be challenging and so rewarding xx

$54.12

Davod Chmieluk

$54.12

Tom E

$50

Lana Al Habl

$106.12

Nat And Scott

Wishing you the most amazing trip Tony! 🙏🏼 Lots of love Nat and Scott xx

$106.12

Mark & Kayla

We’re cheering you on Tony!

$80.25

Mark Mcnamara

Good luck on your challenge

$211

Norm And Giselle Hallit

Dear Tony Good luck and safe travels. Love Norm and Giselle xx

$54.12

Paranee Rajagulasingam

Hi Tony, this is a great cause. Admire your dedication and commitment to the training in the last few weeks. All the best . Enjoy the journey.

$150

Noel Mancuso

Good luck with the walk, sorry I won’t be catching up with you at the end, enjoy.

$263.75

Rob Saliba

Wish you all the best bro I’m sure dad will be looking down on you and giving you the strength on this journey

$106.12

Guppy

Great effort Salibaaa!

$316.50

Ken And Hasna Hanna

Great cause Tony

$106.12

Joseph Kahwajy

All the very best Tony on your walk. Have a great time away...God bless 🙏

$200

Michael Saliba

Good luck Tony. Dad would be proud

$200

Mary And Grace Chaheen

Go hard cuz and God bless 🙏✝️

$211

Mona Saliba

Proud of you

$54.12

Harry Labban

Good luck👏🏼

$106.12

Kelly Rabanal

Love to you and the special guest! Best of luck ♥️

$54.12

Maila Hughes

Wishing you success on the Camino trail, Tony!

$33.15

Anonymous

$54.12

Trevor

Great cause - thank you Tony!

$103.72

Matt Giddens

Best wishes to you for the walk Tony

$106.12

Matt Moran

Good luck!

$54.12

Graham King

$100

Bhoomi, Smit And Lily

Great cause Tony, wish you the best!

$106.12

Sally Cooke

All the best Tony! Here’s to ongoing research and development to improve outcomes🙌 A great cause

$158.25

David F

Great cause Tony, enjoy the walk and all best wishes

$206.20

Teodor & Silviya

Such a worthwhile cause, Tony! Enjoy the walk - I am sure it will be an experience you will cherish forever!

$106.12

Mark

Fantastic cause, Tony! Good luck!

$30

Elton Shaun Dsouza

Wishing you the best on the Camino Tramp, Tony!

$100

Minta

Best of luck Tony!

$103.72

Uyi Ighodaro

Great cause Tony!

$54.12

Thomas Renneberg

Best of luck on the trek Tony!!

$54.12

Mel Ryan

Wishing you all the best for this Trek Tony. Such an amazing opportunity, and for such a great cause!

$33.15

Dan White

Great cause and I’m sure this will also be an incredible experience for you to undertake. Best of luck with it Tony!

$515.50

Sam Saliba

All the best for the walk Tony, a great way to honour Dad for this great cause. Love Sam, Veronica, Natalya, Dominic, James xoxo

$22.58

Terry Reece

Good luck Tony sounds a great trip

$54.12

Rob Smith

Great work Tony!

$54.12

Edwin

Good luck Tony!

$106.12

Patricia Clifford

My father died of pancreatic cancer 3 years ago. This is brilliant what you are going. Your dad would be so proud of you. Patricia

$211

Shehaan & Mihaela

Great cause Tony and one that is very close to our hearts as well. Pancreatic Cancer is death sentence - We must do better. Shehaan and Mihaela

$263.75

Kf

I salute you on your passion for such a worthy cause!! Happy tramping!

$106.12

Kev Shah

Great cause, quite a challenge see you at the end for a beer.

$100

Peter C

What a Tramp! Good luck Tony!!

$54.12

Tom Pickersgill

Best of luck Tony! A great cause.

$103.72

Mike Becerra

Tony, your dedication is truly inspiring! I am honoured to support such a meaningful cause.

$80.25

Slany Mcmanus

Go Tony! Super inspiring!

$54.12

Sylvia Morelli

Such a wonderful cause Tony!

$106.12

Anon

Keep on Tramping