Leading religious figures in the region have given their blessing to the Vice Chancellor of the University of Worcester as he departs to begin a 14-day challenge to walk 280km for student scholarships and hardship funds.
The current fundraising total, combined with a number of generous pledges for further funds once the challenge is complete, is now at a third of the £100,000 target.
Dr Stephen Edwards, the Dean of Worcester Cathedral, and Bernard Longley, the Archbishop of Birmingham, have both offered their blessings and support to Professor David Green as he prepares to spend two weeks walking 175 miles on the Camino Portugués, the historic pilgrim’s path from Porto in Portugal to Santiago de Compostela in Spain.
Ahead of his departure, Professor Green visited Worcester Cathedral to see the Worcester Pilgrim exhibition in the Crypt and meet with the Very Reverend Dr Stephen Edwards, Dean of Worcester.
Dr Edwards said: “David follows in the footsteps of thousands who across the centuries have made a pilgrimage to Compostela. It was good to bless his journey from the spot in Worcester where a 16th-century pilgrim is buried – a reminder of the Cathedral’s importance as a place for pilgrimage, prayer and journey.”
The Worcester Pilgrim, discovered during an excavation at the cathedral in 1986, was identified as a pilgrim because of the staff, cockleshell, and walking boots which were found with his remains.
Professor Green, who served on the Cathedral’s Council for many years, said: “Worcester Cathedral is truly inspirational. Dean Stephen and members of the Cathedral community have been so encouraging to the University and our students as well as for this cause.”
He continued: “I’m delighted that before I have taken my first step on the Camino, friends of the University have generously gifted well over £30,000 for student scholarships and hardship funds. This takes us over a third of the way to our £100,000 target.”
Professor Green added: “Worcester leads the UK Universities for sustained graduate employment. 97%+ of our students are from state educated backgrounds. Many are first in family. Some are also carers. Most work part-time whilst studying.”
He continued: “The opportunity to win a scholarship or get a helping hand when in real need makes all the difference to continuation and then success as a skilled professional who will contribute to economic growth, social cohesion and a more successful country.”
Professor Green’s campaign is a part of the University’s two-year-long Anniversaries Campaign, marking two major milestones in its history: 20 years since gaining full university status in 2005 and 80 years since being founded as an Emergency Teacher Training College in 1946.
Dr Edwards said: “Raising money for the scholarship and hardship fund will support so many students in their education at the University of Worcester. As a place of prayer, learning, and welcome, the Cathedral continues to pray and support the University, especially in the Anniversaries Campaign.”
Speaking after a recent visit to the University where he met with Professor Green, Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Birmingham said: “I was delighted to be able to offer a blessing to the Vice Chancellor’s fundraising walk along the Camino to Santiago de Compostela. Every pilgrimage involves personal challenge and Professor Green is aiming to alleviate some of the challenges that today’s students are facing.”
He added: “I wish him every success, and in an ancient pilgrim greeting, I wish him ‘godspeed’.”
Anyone wishing to donate to the campaign or read more about the cause can visit this Just Giving page.
For information on courses at the University of Worcester visit www.worcester.ac.uk or for application enquiries, telephone 01905 855111 or email admissions@worc.ac.uk