Bank boss from Worthing releases book about his 500-mile solo Camino de Santiago pilgrimage

Simon Donlevy, head of risk and compliance at Lloyds Bank, said it was a good project during lockdown and writing the book, There’s Something Going On!, was ‘great fun’, reminding him of his 500-mile Camino de Santiago pilgrimage and hopefully spreading some of the magic of the ancient way.

He said: “My original intention for this book was to create a keepsake for my family, a legacy if you like. As my adventures unravelled and I started documenting my memoirs, the book wrote itself – an unintended consequence of my pilgrimage.

“The other great thing about it was that I also raised around £6,000 for Look Sussex, a local charity for visually impaired children which is close to my heart.”

Simon, of Gaisford Road, went solo, leaving his wife Lisa and sons Michael and James at home.

He walked for 36 days in May and June last year, ahead of his 50th birthday, and in the book, he talks about how his journey changed him, as he crossed the Pyrenees from France and walked across northern Spain to the sacred city of Santiago de Compostella.

Simon said: “I made new friends, saw incredible sights and heard snoring at volumes never before recorded. The Camino gave me unforgettable memories and a completely new outlook on life.

“I’m just so lucky that I did it last year, before all the Covid restrictions came into force, both here and in Spain.

“I really hope the book will spread some of the magic of the Camino to enable others to share in its charm and for the less adventurous to enjoy it from the comfort of an armchair.

“I know I’m up against the likes of Piers Morgan and other celebrities who release books at this time of year but I hope my book will provide a ray of sunlight to people in these shorter days, particularly as the second wave begins to take hold.”

What started out as a book about a walk soon became a beautiful story about people, love, adventure, escapism, charity and friendships.

Simon carried all his gear in a small backpack and the magic of the Camino soon revealed itself. He said he learned you are never really alone on the Camino.

There’s Something Going On! will be released on November 16 and is available for pre-order on Amazon at £8.79.

Visit www.theressomethinggoingon.co.uk for more information.

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