By DAISY SAMPSON [email protected]
Father Bob Bates of the St Vincent’s Church will be making his way across the length of the Algarve while being guided by Terry Ames of the Algarve Walking Experience in a bid to raise money for two worthwhile charities in the Algarve.
The pair are aiming to complete the walk, which will be starting on April 28, in an ambitious seven-and-a-half days, following what is believed to be the original pilgrim trail of Saint Vincent, now known as the Algarve Way.
Money raised by the walk will be donated to two charities, the Lar de São Vicente in Albufeira, a home for the mentally and physically handicapped, and Madrugada, a charity that helps people suffering from life limiting illnesses.
Father Bob told the Algarve Resident: “The Algarve is a very big parish so this will be a good way to see new parts of the region and meet with people along the way.
“I am looking forward to taking in the scenery, especially as this will be my first spring in the Algarve. However, I am most looking forward to finishing the walk, which will be the greatest achievement.”
Experienced walker Terry Ames is confident that the walk can be completed in the allotted time: “I walk the Algarve Way at least once a year but the route is always changing as fences are put up and paths are altered. It is a case of finding the path of least resistance really and I am experienced in that.”
Half way through the walk, there are plans for the residents of the Lar de São Vicente to greet Father Bob and Terry at the end of day four when they will be in Silves.
Linda Mülheisen, a fundraiser for the Lar, told the Algarve Resident: “We are organising for the children to make up some T-shirts and then be ready to meet Terry and Bob as they arrive in Silves.”
She added: “This will be a great way to let people know more about the Lar and the work that we do here, and we thank Father Bob for involving us.”
Further involvement from Madrugada, the charity choice of Terry Ames, will be announced at a later date.
For further information about Step by Step, St Vincent´s Way please contact either Father Bob Bates on 289 366 720 or visit www.algarvewalkingexperience.com (available in English).
