PILGRIM GOES THE DISTANCE FOR WALSINGHAM YOUTH PILGRIMAGE

From pilgrim to marathon runner, long-time supporter and Ministry Team volunteer Noah McCamley went the distance for a cause close to his heart. By completing the Lisbon Marathon, Noah raised funds to help young people take part in the 2027 Walsingham Youth Pilgrimage.

Noah’s connection with the pilgrimage stretches back more than a decade. He first came to Walsingham as a young pilgrim, sharing in the friendships, worship and sense of belonging that makes the annual event so special. In time, he returned as a member of the Ministry Team, ready to encourage others and support the community that had played such an important part in his youth and the formation of his faith. Reflecting on what the pilgrimage means to him, Noah said: Walsingham has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember, and the Youth Pilgrimage has been an important part of my journey in faith. Having attended as a young pilgrim and volunteered as part of the Ministry Team, I know how much difference the Youth Pilgrimage can make to a young person. The Youth Pilgrimage really can be a life changing experience!

Each year, the Walsingham Youth Pilgrimage welcomes hundreds of young people for a joyful week of teaching, fellowship, worship and exploration of faith. Through his marathon effort, Noah is helping to keep that experience open and accessible by supporting accommodation and activities, enabling more teenage pilgrims from across the country to feel at home in Walsingham.

Friends and supporters in Walsingham and beyond cheered Noah on and contributed to his fundraising. Afterwards, he reflected: Running the Lisbon Marathon was a challenging but rewarding way to give something back to a community that has given me so much, and I’m proud to have raised over £700 to support the Shrine.

If you want to find out more about the Youth Pilgrimage and how you can support it contact engage@olw-shrine.org.uk or look out for next year’s Youth Pilgrimage dates and details of the Godparent Scheme on the Shrine’s website, social media channels and in future publications.