Canon Clare welcomes graduation pilgrim

University of Kent student Emily Malkin (23), swapped her high heels for hiking boots as she made her way to her graduation ceremony at Canterbury Cathedral.

Emily had walked 40 miles along the Pilgrim’s Way between Rochester and Canterbury Cathedral for child.org, carrying 50 litres of water along the way, to help raise awareness of children in Africa who have to walk an average of 3.7 miles a day to access clean water.

Emily, who has graduated with a first class honours degree in Social Anthropology, had enrolled on a Charity Apprentice scheme with Child.org which aims to train people that want to start careers in the non-profit sector.

“As part of the scheme we were encouraged to run fundraising challenges. I chose the walk with water challenge and it soon escalated to the idea of walking the Pilgrim’s Way as I have lived in Canterbury for three years and always wanted to do it.

“The idea of walking to graduation was set upon as I thought it would be a great atmosphere to end the walk with and there would be a personal reason to do the pilgrimage that day. I have been really fortunate to have a fantastic team behind me including my father and other friends who have joined me for various stages of the journey.

“It’s been hard work but it’s been fantastic to be out amongst the cornfields and in the open countryside – places we normally see in the distance as we drive past in our cars. A highlight was sleeping overnight in the Church in Chilham before the final leg of our journey.”

Emily was welcomed by Canon Pastor, The Revd Clare Edwards, who led the team down into the Cathedral’s Crypt for prayers and blessings prior to her graduation ceremony.

“It was really special to be met by Canon Clare as she has known my family for a long time and baptised me when she was the Rector of Bletchingley.”

Canon Clare said “People go on pilgrimage for as many reasons as there are pilgrims. Often, people go on pilgrimage when they are at a crossroads in their lives, when undergoing a change in their life’s direction or relationships. Others may be in search of a deeper spirituality, healing and forgiveness. It can be a life-changing, transformational experience. A time of letting go of the old to let the new come in. It was a pleasure to be able to welcome Emily to the Cathedral today as she graduates, completes this pilgrimage and looks towards new beginnings.”

If you would like to find out more information about Emily’s chosen charity visit child.org or to discover more about pilgrimage go to www.pilgrimswaycanterbury.org