86-year-old cyclist completes Camino de Santiago after heart attack and stroke

Dave, an 86-year-old expat living in Orihuela, Spain, who has been living the expat life since the 1980s, has completed the demanding Camino de Santiago cycling pilgrimage in memory of his late wife Angie, who had died from Covid soon after their 60th anniversary celebration.

The loss of Angie left Dave searching for purpose until an Age Concern bereavement group encouraged him to honour Angie through the route they once considered doing together.

Inspiration and rigorous preparation

Dave chose to cycle over 360 kilometres from Leon through mountains and forests as a personal tribute. Others had suggested an electric bike for safety on a journey that would cross some of the highest peaks in Spain.

He received his electric bike in November 2024 and spent six months training and riding 1,800 kilometres around the Vega Baja and Murcia regions. He shared live locations and photos with a support group and eventually logged a total of 5,000 kilometres in training over 19 months.

Setbacks and rescue on the Camino

Thick slimy mud caused Dave to fall with the heavy bike pinning him down early on the trail. Concerned pilgrims rushed over to free him and confirm he was not seriously hurt.

Chest pains and oxygen shortage struck Dave without warning halfway up the mountain near Cebreiro, a sign of a mild heart attack. Francisco, from a group of Brazilian pilgrims, stepped in to support his body and carry his bike to the summit. They provided water, rest and firm instructions before he continued to his hotel, where he slept for 14 hours.

Stroke recovery and test pilgrimage

A stroke ended up paralysing Dave in September and stripped away his ability to walk, talk or even write. Moroccan friends Laila and Aissa took him home for care after doctors agreed to release him. Thirty-two physiotherapy appointments over four months helped recovery, although another three falls required 17 stitches to his head and, as well, inclement weather postponed further cycling until October.

Dave then tackled the daunting 160-kilometre Camino de Caravaca de la Cruz in March 2026 to regain his self-confidence and give thanks for his recovery. Freezing winds, heavy rain, high narrow bridges without railings and long dark tunnels filled with water presented daily deadly obstacles that he eventually overcame successfully.

Final stage drama and emotional arrival

Heavy rain welcomed Dave back to the trail from Cebreiro on 12 May 2026. A rottweiler bit his leg on the opening mountain yet released its grip after the farmer laughed and intervened. Young Pau, another pilgrim from Barcelona, helped push the bike on steep sections while, later on, an articulated lorry clipped the panniers and sent Dave crashing once more to the tarmac with injuries to his hip and knee.

Forest trails, mud and slippery stream crossings dominated the final 60-plus kilometres. Dave followed a Dutch couple with reliable GPS to the cathedral plaza where emotion overwhelmed him completely. Tears flowed as the achievement erased memories of pain, stroke recovery struggles and earlier doubts about finishing.

Completion arrangements and quiet gratitude

Santiago de Compostela post office staff processed his rental bike for return to Leon in minutes after checking his passport and voucher. A taxi driver located the historic Via Lucis hostel within ten minutes, and Dave later was able to explore the city with renewed energy while his handwriting gradually improved noticeably. A Galician bagpipe band added festive local music to his stay.

Dave avoided the crowded cathedral service and chose instead a private moment in the hostel chapel to remember Angie. He warmly thanked every person who offered support through his bereavement, heart attack, stroke and multiple physical setbacks. Completion of the pilgrimage brought a profound sense of achievement after a prolonged period of uncertainty and rehabilitation.

Now, at 86, he’s considering another adventure: “Because El Cid passed my house on his way to Andalucia, I am looking at El Cid’s defence of the South Camino. 248 km starting in Valencia to Xativa, Villena, Sax, Montfort del Cid, Elche, Albatera, finishing in Orihuela.”

Dave has demonstrated that even the deepest feelings of bereavement are not the end for those left behind. He has achieved exactly what Angie would have wanted him to do – fight for life.