Pilgrims from Sheffield Cathedral have reached the halfway mark of their Camino de Santiago fundraising pilgrimage, travelling more than 57km through northern Spain in support of two charities helping people affected by homelessness and marginalisation.
The group of 38 walkers, known as #TeamSheffield, began their journey in Vigo and have now reached Caldas de Reis. Over the coming days they will continue another 53km, walking via Padrón before finishing in the historic pilgrimage destination of Santiago de Compostela.
Along the route, the team have experienced the rich spiritual and cultural traditions of the Camino, visiting churches, sharing meals and reflections, and forming new friendships.
The pilgrimage is raising funds for two charities closely connected to Sheffield Cathedral: The Archer Project, which supports people experiencing homelessness in Sheffield, and The Choir With No Name, a national charity that runs choirs for people affected by homelessness and marginalisation.
Dean of Sheffield, The Very Revd Abi Thompson, said:
“The thing I’m realising over the years is that it’s less about the destination and more about the journey. I have been able to share my emotions with people I walked alongside and felt held by their love. I think that’s what pilgrimage is about – sharing the journey and sharing the love.
We have a long way to go today, 22km. It’s going to be quite tough and quite hot, but we’re all in good spirits and we are working hard to raise money for The Archer Project and Choir With No Name – both incredible charities in Sheffield.”
Director of Music Tom Daggett described a particularly memorable moment on the route:
“We’re 7km into our 22km walk today and we have received a blessing from a monk. He invited us into his home and offered us a place to rest for a while. He said the blessing of Saint Patrick and blessed each one of us.
It was a very beautiful moment of rest and refreshment along the way. What’s amazing about a pilgrimage is that you have a moment to unpack what key things have motivated people in their lives and explore the decisions they have taken.”
Among the pilgrims is Sally Debiage from The Choir With No Name, who reflected on the experience of walking together:
“The best part so far has been meeting and walking with so many different people. Last year we were only a group of seven – this year there are 38 – so it has been a very different experience. But I really love getting to meet so many different people and hearing why they are here.”
The Camino walk highlights the partnership between Sheffield Cathedral and the two charities, both of which work to provide dignity, community and opportunity for people facing homelessness and marginalisation.
Support our pilgrims as they continue their 100km hike and help us raise more funds for The Archer Project and the Choir With No Name: https://donate.giveasyoulive.com/fundraising/abi-tom-and-tim-walk-the-camino
Follow their Journey
You can follow the pilgrimage and see highlights from the first days of the walk.
Watch our Day 1 and Day 2 highlight reels below and don't forget to keep an eye on our social media for exciting updates throughout!
Day 1
Day 2