I AM
SIMON
DONLEVY.
"The only impossible journey is the one you never begin" - Anthony Robbins
WHO AM I?
I was born in Dudley in the West Midlands, UK and then moved to Lagos, Nigeria when I was young. My brother, Richard was born there and that's where I spent my formative years. Our family moved back to Dudley in time for me to start school.
At the age of 19, I met Lisa, who lived in Brighton and somehow agreed to marry me a year later. We have two boys, Michael and James.
I am a family man who holds friendships and relationships close to my heart, and no matter what, family always comes first. I started work for Lloyds Bank in 1988 and now, over 30 years later I am Head of Risk and Compliance for the same organisation. I decided to take some time out, to get off the hamster wheel. What started out as a short sabbatical, turned into an epic adventure. A 500 mile walk that would change my life forever.
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.
I hope my 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 have a passion for cycling, both riding and watching races, and love going for weekend rides with my local club. I'm also a keen supporter of Wolverhampton Wanderers football club.
As you can see, my hobbies neither include walking, nor writing......
The Camino changed me.