Former High Sheriff beats funding target for Norfolk Community Foundation
The former High Sheriff of Norfolk has surpassed his £60,000 target weeks after returning from his fundraising trek to support unpaid carers in the county.
James Bagge, who completed the 1,500-mile walk from Lynn to Santiago de Compostela in Spain at the end of June, presented the cheque for £62,000 to the Norfolk Community Foundation on Monday.
James thanked those who helped him reach his target and who supported him during his Walking4Norfolk trek.
“The money is wonderful but it is the recognition for carers which really counts,” he added.
Throughout the 79 days of his walk, James received messages of support not just from the general public but from carers themselves.
National campaigner and carer Katy Styles whose husband has Kennedy’s Disease and who has raised a 2,100-signature petition calling for a government Carers Strategy said: “What an amazing achievement!
“What a way to support carers of all ages in Norfolk and beyond. Welling up here too I can tell you.”
During his year as High Sheriff, James became aware of the plight of carers of all ages in Norfolk and vowed to do something to help support them once his official duties were over.
James began his fundraising trek after handing over the High Sheriff title to Charles Watt in a ceremony at Lynn Town Hall at the end of March.
He travelled every step of the route on foot, and completed the challenge on Friday, June 29.
James will continue to spend time getting to know Norfolk’s carer groups and volunteers in the weeks ahead so that he can help spread the word.
“Mission accomplished, but there’s a continuing need and always more to do,” he added.
The fund, which will be administered by the Norfolk Community Foundation, will shortly be inviting applications for grants.