University of Bolton psychology professor, Jerome Carson, is embarking on an ambitious journey to raise money for children’s mental health. At the age of 67, Professor Carson will be walking 185 miles in just seven days, from Manchester to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in Norfolk. The walk is set to take place from Saturday July 20 to Saturday July 27, 2024.
The purpose of this sponsored walk is two-fold. Firstly, to raise funds for the Hummingbird Project, a six-week course developed by children’s charity MedEquip4Kids, which aims to improve the mental wellbeing of children in primary and secondary schools through positive psychology. Secondly, it will serve as a spiritual journey for Professor Carson, who attends the Catholic Church of the Holy Infant and St. Anthony in Astley Bridge, Bolton. This will be his first pilgrimage, and he will be walking alone. The journey will be a significant challenge for Professor Carson, who has never walked more than 20 miles in a day.
The final destination, the Slipper Chapel, holds great significance for pilgrims. It is the site of the main Marian shrine in England, dating back to 1061, and is venerated by both Anglicans and Catholics. As per tradition, pilgrims walk the last mile barefoot, and Professor Carson will be honoring this tradition.
The Hummingbird Project is a collaboration between MedEquip4Kids, the University of Bolton, the University of Chester, and the Open University. The project has been successful in improving the mental wellbeing of nearly 6,000 school pupils in Greater Manchester, Cheshire, and Merseyside through a six-week course and questionnaires to track progress.
Professor Carson stated, “Rising problems in children’s mental health have been a growing concern over the last decade, especially since the pandemic. The Hummingbird Project incorporates the latest research from positive psychology to improve young people’s wellbeing and help them thrive in life. We hope to extend its benefits to thousands more.”
With only two months to prepare for the grueling journey of walking approximately 25 miles a day, Professor Carson hopes to raise thousands of pounds to support the mental health of young people. Donations can be made through his Just Giving page – Jerome Carson is fundraising for MedEquip4Kids (justgiving.com). A donation of £50 covers the cost of one young person to receive the Hummingbird Project course.
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