We are back safely from our walk from Trafalgar Square to Canterbury Cathedral to help raise awareness for the plight of the homeless. We met some fantastic people, got a few blisters and overall had a wonderful time. Talking to some of my fellow pilgrims it made me realise just how many people have experienced homelessness, often through circumstances out of their control, or through drink and drug abuse, themselves often driven by factors that would be difficult to control. We on the walk were the lucky ones. There was a time when I was in my mid-twenties when I could so easily have become homeless and have lost everything and that was ultimately all a result of alcohol. I was lucky I had some family to reach out to. Not everyone has that available to them. It made me smile to see the instruction sheet we were all given before the walk started that stated no alcohol was allowed on the walk, and even though a few people did venture to the local pub in the evenings, during the day there was nothing alcohol in sight despite the heat and the many wonderful village inns we passed. The old me would have been going beserk for a drink and would have hated to have been given such a dictate, but then the old me would have never even considered doing such a walk as this in any event. The old me never had time for charity or much that wasn't self centred. So yet another occasion when I realise how lucky I am to have quit alcohol forever and how wonderful it if to be free of the stress and frustration that the nagging desire for a drink brings with it. I hope you like the photos. I particularly love the one of the cake stand. We came across one of these every couple of hours at a church hall where the local ladies had made a special treat for us and to keep us going. I have to admit I have probably swapped the alcohol habit for a cake habit, and no wonder. Finally, many thanks to everyone who helped me raise money by sponsoring me. If you still want to, here is the linkhttps://pilgrimage2018.everydayhero.com/uk/julian God Bless |
I don't drink
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AuthorJulian Kirkman-Page Archives
November 2020
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