From Cabourg to Lourdes, he walks 1,000 km for the benefit of the professional integration of disabled people
Patrick Ravily, 62, has a sense of commitment in his blood. After thirty-four years of service in the National Gendarmerie, the sixty-year-old decided to dedicate one pilgrimage per year to supporting a cause close to his heart. This year, this father has just covered nearly 1000 km on foot from Cabourg (Calvados) to Lourdes (Hautes-Pyrénées), for the benefit of the Cap Anjou bleu association, which works for the professional integration of disabled people. “I am lucky to have good physical condition. I put my retirement at the service of the most vulnerable. And as a Christian, in the service of God, obviously,” explains this former scout with simplicity.
For his departure from the Côte Fleurie on September 15, a prize pool was opened. The objective: to raise 2,000 euros for the purchase of adapted sports equipment and the financing of cultural outings for the 24 people suffering from autism, Down syndrome or other disabilities, who reside at the Noyant-la- home. Gravoyère (Maine-et-Loire). During his visit there, Patrick Ravily was able to meet some of them. “Their welcome, their recognition and their good humor give meaning to my approach,” says the retiree, who was made aware of physical disability by the risks linked to his job. “I have been around war zones; colleagues suffered serious accidents, one of them having both legs amputated. Disability upsets families and changes the relationship with housing, education, work,” he confides, with a tight throat. In 2022, while he was walking the Via Francigena, a fall could have cost him his life. Loss of consciousness, shoulder dislocation. The next day, the inveterate walker left with a makeshift splint. “I want to get to the end of things,” he smiles, determined.
The Cévennes as objective
Guided by his Irish patron saint, Patrick Ravily traveled through France as a missionary. Moreover, rather than sleeping alone in his tent, he contacted town halls and parishes. “I have more meetings, I talk about the association, I encourage everyone to participate,” he enthuses. After completing his journey at an altitude of 3,335 m at the Cirque de Gavarnie, south of Lourdes, and collecting more than 800 euros, Patrick Ravily confides that he is already looking towards his next departure: the Stevenson path, in the Cévennes.