Thanks for visiting our fundraising page.

The objective of our walk is to raise money for The Ark, a centre at Crowthorne that helps physically and mentally disabled people access the arts. The centre needs a minimum of £37,500 a year to keep going and our aim is to raise as much money as possible.

 

It is very important to note that when the Bracknell Forest Council last carried out an inspection Interact, a weekly drama based course, received a Grade 1 – the highest obtainable, which is a great shame that they have lost the majority of their regular funding from the local authorities, including Bracknell.

Outside of its educational work the Ark has also hosted a disability arts festival in 2006, run children’s workshops and visited arts events and locations such as Tate Modern. In September 2008 it also launched Club Marmalade. This is a monthly inclusive nightclub led by a group of people with disabilities which developed from the Ark’s DJ sessions and an event held at the disability arts festival

My son Alexis is autistic and I know from experience the Ark has been fantastic for him and he has benefited greatly in recent years. He is aware of their difficulties and he will be heartbroken if they were forced to close down. He had no hesitation in joining me for our 300 mile walk inNorthern Spain so that he can help in his own way.

 

Camino De Santiago is one of the most famous and oldest walks in the world. The 1000 year old pilgrimage to the shrine of St James in the Cathedral of Santiago de Compostela is known in English as the Way of St. James and in Spanish as the Camino de Santiago. Over 100,000 pilgrims travel to the city each year from points all overEurope.

We will fly to Santiago on Sunday 31^st May and then another 6 hour bus journey to take us to Leon which will be the starting point of our long walk in the early hours of Monday 1^st June. If all goes to plan we hope to arrive at the Cathedral of Santiago De Compostela on Saturday 13^th June. This is a great challenge for us both especially as we have to walk over several mountains one of which is 5,000 feet high. The Spanish language isn’t a problem as Alexis is a fluent Spanish speaker but I do know the Spanish words for beer, wine and most of  the food.

You can follow our daily progress with photos and messages using this link http://nikospolydorou.blogspot.com/

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor me: The Ark Trust Ltd gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25% in Gift Aid, plus a 3% supplement, are added to your donation.

So please sponsor me now!