A FRANKSTON couple are undertaking the Camino de Santiago to raise funds for Miscarriage Information Support Service (MISS).
Upali and Nina DeSilva set off from St-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France on 27 August and are set to finish their pilgrimage at Santiago de Compostela on 16 October.
The couple said the Camino is about endurance and reflection, which felt like the right way to honour families who have experienced miscarriage.
“Miscarriage is something so many families go through in silence, and we wanted to walk the Camino to shine a light and raise awareness of the grief, and make sure the families don’t feel alone, and that they are supported,” said Nina.
Nina said when they decided to complete the walk, they wanted to pick a charity to support.
“We believe that MISS was the right one,” said Nina.
“We’re doing this to raise funds, but also to increase awareness, because so many people we know are going through, or have gone through, miscarriages.”
Nina and Upali’s neighbour, Melissa King, is the founder of MISS, a community service that provides information, resources, awareness, education, and support programs to anyone impacted by the loss of a baby through miscarriage.
Upali and Nina, who are both in their seventies, will walk over 800 kilometres across 51 days.
“We’re absolutely exhausted, and our legs and feet are screaming at us and want to rebel, but we’re enjoying it, and meeting lots of people from all over the world,” said Nina.
“Some days we question our sanity… but we also know what keeps us going is that we are raising awareness for this amazing charity.”
So far, Upali and Nina have walked over 500 kilometres through the foothills of the Pyrenees and small cities of northern Spain.
“Every kilometre we walk is a reminder of the families we hope to support,” said Upali.
“We are grateful to everyone who has encouraged us and contributed to this important cause.”
Their journey will finish on 16 October, one day after International Pregnancy and Infant Loss Remembrance Day.
MISS is holding a service for the day on 15 October at Mornington Green Living Legacy Gardens in Somerville.
It is also the opening of the new Lullaby Fountain, which is dedicated to anyone impacted by the loss of an infant, baby, or pregnancy.
Anyone can register by searching “Lullaby Fountain” on Eventbrite.
You can find out more information about MISS and donate at: miss.org.au/donate.
First published in the Mornington News – 29 September 2026
