Community Fundraiser en route to 1500 mile 'pilgrim' for Whizz-Kidz » Health » 24dash.com

Gareth Thomas, from Kent, passed by Westminster Cathedral today and was blessed on his 1,500 mile journey - in aid of Whizz-Kidz - by Fr Christopher Tuckwell, the Prefect of the Sacristy

Mr Thomas, who took the decision to leave his job as a secondary school teacher to explore a vocation in the Catholic priesthood, aims to raise £10,000 for children’s mobility charity Whizz-Kidz, over three months of trekking a traditional Catholic pilgrimage to Compestela in Spain .

Gareth began his pilgrimage from Worcester Cathedral on 2 May with a pilgrim blessing from the Dean of Worcester. After the 170 miles to London, the second stage is from Westminster Cathedral to Chartres Cathedral and then to Tours. The third stage follows the Via Podiensis to the Pyrenees. Twelve weeks later he should finally arrive in Santiago de Compostela in time for the holy Feast of St James the Apostle.

The funds he collects will provide many more children with vital mobility equipment, wheelchair skills training and support, that will allow them independence to lead fuller lives as they grow.

Gareth said: "The Santiago pilgrimage has seen a huge revival in recent years and is becoming very popular with walkers, mountain bikers and those on horseback. I have walked the last section, from the Pyrenees to Santiago before, and the challenge of walking all the way from London is exciting: I love walking and it is a privilege to help support disabled children move forward with their lives."
Gareth hopes to finish his walk on 1 August, and from there begin his formation in a seminary in September.

For an update on Gareth’s progress please visit: www.whizz-kidz-pilgrim.blogspot.com
To sponsor Gareth please go to: www.justgiving.com/whizz-kidz-pilgrim. For more information about Whizz-Kidz, please visit www.whizz-kidz.org.uk