EDIT 20th November 2024: Before I began this challenge I asked for your support, and I have been overwhelmed by your response. Thank you so much for the way you have supported me in prayer and sponsorship and in any other way. I hope you have had chance to see the interactive map, some of the pictures, YouTube clips and podcasts. If not here is a link https://frchris.travelmap.net/

It truly was an adventure with God and thank you for being part of it and helping support Caritas and the tremendous support they give to those most in need in our diocese. God bless you, Fr Chris. [ENDS]

As many of you know, Caritas projects in the Diocese of Salford are close to my heart. Whether they are supporting refugees trying to make a new home here, people who have fallen on hard times and are experiencing poverty or homelessness, and those young parents (often - but not always - young Mums) and their infant children who would otherwise be homeless.

For the past year, I have been preparing to run the famous Camino de Santiago from Lourdes in France, through Spain and on until I reach the Cathedral de Santiago in Spain. A distance of 924km - which I am told is like running from Manchester to Dundee and back again!

I wonder if you would take every step with me in prayer, and if you can, donate a little bit of money to these good causes that I support to...

- take homeless people off the street and into safe, secure and supported accommodation , preparing them for independent tenancies.

- provide crisis grants to local families living in poverty, ensuring they can afford essential household items like washing machines, cots, school uniforms.

- support refugees across the diocese, providing them with English lessons and wellbeing support for an entire year

- provide hot meals, showers, toiletries, a warm welcome and so much more to local individuals facing poverty, homelessness, or isolation.