Tom Cheesman, manager of the Crown Hotel announced recently that he is to walk the way of St. James which is one of the three most important pilgrimages in Christian history.
He will be raising money for UNICEF, the world’s leading organisation working for children and their rights.
Tom said, “I have wanted to walk this route for nearly seven years, after reading Paulo Coehlo’s ‘The Pilgrimage’. This particular route starts in le Puy en Velay, France and traverses the Pyrennees before finishing in the city of Santiago de Compostela in the north west of Spain.”
A total journey of approximately 1500km (that’s nearly 1000 miles). He is set to depart on the 20th April, 2011 and expects to be gone for three months.
Tom added, “I’ve spent time near stretches of the French section and the landscapes are simply stunning.”
Tom aims to use his experience as a photographer to record his trip visually and on his return create a photographic coffee table styled journal. Once published he has pledged to give 50% of any profits to UNICEF and a further 25% to smaller local charities of his choosing.
Tom continued, “It’s been ten years since my last big adventure which involved riding a 350cc motorbike around Australia. I’ve had itchy feet ever since, but I’ve always been a very loyal work orientated employee, and for quite some time now work has had to come first!”
The last time Tom did any serious walking was during school in 1990 when he was training for the ten tors. With this in mind, he has realised that the challenge in front of him is probably the greatest he has faced. Hence taking up the torch for UNICEF.
All the funds raised will support UNICEF’s work with children in more than 190 countries. UNICEF’s practical programmes help protect the rights of all children around the world. UNICEF helps to provide the healthcare, nutrition, education and protection children need to survive and thrive. For more information on UNICEF’s work please visit www.unicef.org.uk
To make a donation to ‘The Way To Santiago’ fundraising venture please visit www.supportunicef. org.uk/thewaytosantiago
For further information please contact: Tom Chees-man on 07970 937851, email tom@tomcheesman. co.uk or visit www.thewaytosantiago.co.uk
