University of Bolton psychology professor, Jerome Carson, has announced his plan to walk 185 miles in just seven days to raise money for children’s mental health. The 67-year-old will begin his journey from Manchester and make his way to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in Norfolk, starting on Saturday July 20 and ending on Saturday July 27.
The purpose of this sponsored walk is two-fold. Firstly, it aims to raise funds for the Hummingbird Project, a six-week course based on positive psychology that is delivered by children’s charity MedEquip4Kids. The project aims to improve the mental wellbeing of children in both primary and secondary schools.
Secondly, this will be a spiritual journey for Jerome, who attends the Catholic Church of the Holy Infant and St. Anthony in Astley Bridge, Bolton. It will also be his first pilgrimage, and he will be walking alone. This will be a significant challenge for Jerome, who has never walked more than 20 miles in a day.
Jerome will be walking to the Slipper Chapel in Walsingham, the site of the main Marian shrine in England which dates back to 1061. Pilgrims traditionally walk the last mile barefooted, and Jerome will be honouring this tradition.
The Hummingbird Project is a unique partnership between MedEquip4Kids, the University of Bolton, the University of Chester, and the Open University. The project has already benefitted nearly 6,000 school pupils in Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and Merseyside, and there are hopes to roll it out nationally and internationally.
Professor Carson stated, “Rising problems in children’s mental health have been an increasing concern over the last decade and especially since the pandemic. The Hummingbird Project incorporates the latest research from positive psychology to improve young people’s wellbeing, help them thrive, and get the most out of life. We want to roll out the benefits to thousands more.”
He added, “I have two months to prepare myself for walking about 25 miles a day. The last day will be the shortest in terms of distance. As I am now 67, I wanted to give something back. We owe it to our children to give them the best possible start in life. I hope to raise thousands of pounds to help improve young people’s mental health.”
Those interested in supporting Jerome’s cause can make a donation to his Just Giving page – Jerome Carson is fundraising for MedEquip4Kids (justgiving.com). A gift of £50 will cover the cost of one young person to receive the Hummingbird Project course.
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