Thank you to all those who took part in the 2023 Pilgrimage!
The event was a huge success, with 70 participants starting the walk on Friday and an incredible 117 taking part on Monday, the final day of the walk, which is the highest number we have had since before the pandemic!
We will be able to provide a total raised once we have received all sponsorship forms, with the deadline for this being July. But thank you so much for the donations already received.
We would like to give a HUGE THANKS to all volunteers who gave up their time to support the event, it would not be possible to run The Pilgrimage without you!
We would also like to thank the three clients who took part in the event, I know participants enjoyed talking to them and we do hope that they enjoyed the experience.
As always, the event was enjoyed by all. Enjoying spectacular countryside views, the company of each other and some delicious food along the way!
Was there a cake that was your favorite? Or a spread that you thought was a rise above the rest? We would love to hear, email us at: events@cstm.org.uk!
Some lovely quotes we got from our 2023 Pilgrims:
‘It was such an amazing experience, thank you and Eugene for organising – I felt spoiled with all the cakes, snacks and drinks served at every stop (I was really looking forward to each stop 🙂 !) – Ines’
‘Great experience, challenging, but I have made lots of new friends, thank you very much. – Wing’
We also asked some of you for 3 words to sum up your Pilgrimage experience, Angela’s were ‘Exhilarating, rollercoaster, community.’
One of the people who we support who joined us on the Pilgrimage, Michael, said about his experience that ‘this [The Pilgrimage] was the happiest he had been in over 5 years.’
One amazing supporter, also created this lovely video of their Pilgrimage experience – thank you Eddie!
Our CEO, Pam Orchard, who some of you may have seen and spoken to, as she joined us for part of Friday and all of Saturday wanted to share her thoughts and thanks with you all.
‘I just wanted to pass on my thanks to all of you for your participation in the Pilgrimage. I have always been told it is a really special experience and having now walked with you all for at least a part of the route, I can see why. You all made me feel so welcome and I have really enjoyed chatting with many of you along the way. From Scottish Islands to Yew Trees to Broad Beans to Violas – the time passed very quickly. However, I was absolutely shattered at the end of Saturday so I can only imagine how those who walked the whole lot felt by Monday!
Please expect me back again next year so that I can meet all the people I missed this time – it was a real privilege to join you. – Pam’
It is wonderful to have such lovely feedback from everyone and to be able to share some of those experiences with you all. We do hope we will see you again next year!
Click here to see some of our photo highlights from the event! If you have any photos, please do share them with us as we would love to see them! If you’re sharing them on social media, you can tag us in them on Twitter @homelesslondon, or Facebook @The Connection at St. Martin’s.
Would you like to be kept up to date with information on the 2024 event?
We do hope we will see you again next year!
Thank you once again for your support, we rely on the generosity of people like you to continue our vital work. Your donations go towards providing activities that help people like Manuel – ‘The activities [The Connection provides] take you out of being homeless for a while. Even if it is only for an hour it does good for your body and your mind.
