Former High Sheriff of Norfolk completes 1,500-mile fundraising trek
It's taken 79 days and 1,500 miles but former High Sheriff of Norfolk James Bagge has today finished his fundraising trek to Santiago de Compostela which started in Lynn at the end of March.
James, 65, has raised more than £40,000 for unpaid carers in the county during his Walking4Norfolk campaign, and still hopes to reach his £60,000 target.
After completing his trek on Friday, James said: “I am a little tired and emotional.
“It has been a long journey but a huge privilege to advance the cause for those whose ‘journey’ caring for those closest to them is not a matter of choice, nor does it necessarily have a definite ending like mine.
“They are the ones who deserve the recognition.”
James has travelled every step of the route on foot, encountering a few aches and pains along the way – and a lot of loud communal snoring in the pilgrims’ hostels he stayed in during the trek.
It was an emotional moment as James arrived in the Plaza Del Obradoiro, dominated by the famous Cathedral of Santiago where pilgrims like him have travelled for centuries, motivated by a variety of different reasons.
In James’ case, it was the goal of raising £60,000 to support and raise awareness of the unsung carers in Norfolk, volunteers who are taking care, selflessly, of a friend or family member who cannot cope without their assistance.
James attended the Pilgrim’s Mass along with a group of fellow pilgrims who arrived on the same day as him, some of whom he recognised from the Camino de Santiago along which he walked through France and Spain.
“A highlight of the trip has been the incredible support I have received,” James said.
“It’s just extraordinary what people have been saying on social media – people talking about being a hero – it’s hugely motivating.”
James is still hoping to reach his £60,000 target, and donations can be made to the fundraising page.
“It would be really nice if we could get that,” James said.
He hopes to present a cheque to the current High Sheriff of Norfolk Charles Watt on ‘Norfolk Day’, July 27.
“It would be really good to show that Norfolk cares for its carers,” he added.
Go to: https://bit.ly/2KBTUlG.
