Roving Revd reaches Holy Island

 

Congratulations

to the Revd Bruce Nicole who kickstarted a £2.6million appeal for his church in impressive style by walking from his Camberley church to Northumberland's Holy Island .

After a month of walking Bruce reached the island's sandy shores on Monday morning and despite the drizzle took off his boots for a celebratory paddle.

He said: "It's bracing, but I have a real sense of relief - it's wonderful to be here on Holy Island!"

Bruce blogged and tweeted his way ever northwards throughout the walk meeting strangers, friends old and new and appearing on radio shows en route.

He said he had been deeply touched by those who had supported him along the way, including fellow priests who put him up as he passed thorugh their parish.

He said: "I've really enjoyed and been thrilled and humbled by being welcomed into so many homes.

"As I've gone from place to place it's reminded me that we often live in our own bubble."

The trek has raised over £5,000 to be shared between Connect Christian Counselling and the 161-year-old St Michael's Church, Camberley.

Education Secretary Michael Gove MP is patron of the multimillion-pound scheme to carry out structural repair work, make the building accessible to the disabled and elderly and creating a new community space at St Michael's.

Bruce said: “The walk may be over but the journey has only just begun. I do hope that all the support shown to me over the past month will continue as we strive to make St Michael's Church a place which can properly serve its community in the 21st century."

Do follow or sponsor Bruce via the link, or receive Twitter updates via @stmikesopen4all.

See the moment when Bruce arrived at Lindisfarne