In a wheelchair, from Almeria to Santiago

Jose Ignacio Fernandez and Ruben Zulueta began the most important adventure of their lives after they were both diagnosed with muscular dystrophy. This rare disease is now a reality. After a few drinks in the Basque Country, their home, they considered making a pilgrimage up to Santiago. They then asked themselves, "Why can't we do it?"

They answered this question and set up 'Caminus, a non-profit organization whose goal is to make it possible for people with disabilities to complete the Camino de Santiago. They decided to begin their journey in a wheelchair on the French Way of Roncesvalles and signaled and enabled an alternative route for those who were left behind.

Ruben points out that Antonio Gonzalez was with us and is the fundamental pillar for Caminus. He goes with a van, and he checks if shelters are available. Also, he carries all the spare parts needed to make it through any unexpected situations.

Ruben says that the pandemic ended after Ruben travelled the Camino Frances on an electric wheelchair in 2019. They continued on to the Monegros desert for ten more days in 2021.

They are now preparing for another feat in wheelchairs, starting from Almeria. Ruben, Jose Ignacio, and Antonio have 1,395 km to go. They will be completing the Camino Mozarabe in order to raise funds for rare diseases and promote research.

Ruben Zulueta says that after traversing the French Way, he and his team created a guide, which is now available on PlayStore under the title 'Caminus De Santiago'. He says that since the guide was made available, many people have taken it up and have been able to complete it. Others have not."

They completed 400 km with the Monegros desert. It was amazing, it was the first time such a feat was attempted. We like to take on difficult challenges to make the most of the situations we find ourselves in.

Ruben tells the Jacobean Association of AlmeriaGranada that they were told about this path by them. They said that it was growing and that it was a good idea to use electric chairs. They will follow 14 stages along the Mozarabic Way from Almeria, covering 650 km. They'll then reach Merida where they'll end their journey.

Ruben says, "From Merida aboard the support van that accompanies us, we will travel 645 km to Sarria to cover the remainder of the distance between Santiago de Compostela and Sarria in four stages again in our wheelchairs." Some chairs "are common" are not off-road. "We modify the autonomy with an install that allows you to change its batteries, as though it were a mobile. We achieve 60 km of autonomy."

All three participants are prepared. Caminus

Recaudacion y investigación

The journey of the three members of the "Caminus" association will start on July 2 at the Plaza de la Catedral, the longest spanish route. The total distance covered is 1,395 km. This will be used to "raise money, crowdfunding through the sale of mugs and t-shirts." The Isabel Gemio Foundation will receive the total, which will be used to fund research into neuromuscular disorders.

"When you get diagnosed, it is a battle. But I'm lucky to have met Jose Ignacio. We are both very positive people, and we have a lot of humor. He says that he wished he had known two people like him at the time of detection. He acknowledges that it won't be an easy road, but "because we have faced obstacles before," they will open the door to hope.