Jerome Carson, Professor of Psychology at the University of Bolton will depart from the MedEquip4Kids offices in Manchester at 10am this Saturday 20 July to begin his monumental task of walking 185 miles in just seven days at the age of 67. He plans to arrive at the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in Norfolk around midday on Saturday July 27.
The walk has already raised an amazing £22,000 for MedEquip4Kids to support our Hummingbird Project. Delivered by MedEquip4Kids staff, this six-week course based on Positive Psychology aims to improve the mental wellbeing of children in both primary and secondary schools.
The Hummingbird Project is a unique partnership between MedEquip4Kids, the University of Bolton, the University of Chester and the Open University. The young people complete questionnaires before and after the six-week course, and results are showing significant improvements in wellbeing and levels of hope and reductions in mental health symptoms.
So far nearly 6,500 school pupils in primary and secondary schools have benefited from the Hummingbird Project in Greater Manchester, Cheshire and Merseyside. It is hoped that the project will be rolled out nationally and internationally.
Professor Carson’s journey will also be a spiritual one. Walsingham is the site of the main Marian shrine in England, which dates back to 1061 and is venerated by both Anglicans and Catholics. Jerome will be walking to the Slipper Chapel. Pilgrims walk the last mile barefoot and Jerome will be honouring this tradition.
Professor Carson said: “Rising problems in children’s mental health have been an increasing concern over the last decade and especially since the pandemic.
“The Hummingbird Project incorporates the latest research from positive psychology to improve young people’s wellbeing, help them thrive and get the most out of life. We want to roll out the benefits to thousands more.
“I have had two months to prepare myself for walking about 25 miles a day. The last day will be the shortest in terms of distance. As I am now 67, I wanted to give something back.
“We owe it to our children to give them the best possible start in life. I hope to raise thousands of pounds to help improve young people’s mental health.”
To make a donation, please visit Jerome’s Just Giving page. A gift of £50 pays for one young person to receive the Hummingbird Project course.
WATCH: Professor Carson talks about his challenge and the Hummingbird Project
