Watch this space for the announcement relating to next year’s

 ST MICHAELS WAY WALK on SUNDAY 14th MAY 2011.

The St Michaels Way is a walk well worth doing just for the beauty of the countryside but with the added bonus of knowing that you are supporting local, international and Rotary charities including Shelterbox, Worldwide Polio Eradication etc.

This ancient Pilgrims Route starts at St Uny Church Lelant and is a moderate Coast to Coast 12 mile walk or you can choose to walk a shorter circular 6 mile route. Walkers are asked to do their best to raise £100.

This annual walk has so far raised in excess of £65,000 to support the work of charities including MacMillian Cancer, The Merlin Project, CLIC, Cornwall MS, Cornwall Scouts, Precious Lives Appeal, Cornwall Air Ambulance, Newlyn Fishermans Mission and other charities.

History so far: 2003 raised £7262 - This first walked was linked to Kurt Jackson’s series of paintingsof the St. Michaels Way Pilgrims Route. An exhibition of this work was shown at the Lemon Tree Gallery Truro in June 2003. Charities to benefit were Macmillan Cancer Relief and other local and international causes.

2004 raised an estimated £10,760+ and a further £2250 was raised at the Charity Auction in November.  Charities to benefit were THE MERLIN PROJECT (Multiple Sclerosis Support Centre for Cornwall) and other local and international causes.   The Rotary Club of Mounts Bay commission local artist Paul Benyovitts to create a sculpture which was presented to the winner of the Poetry Competition.

2005 the sum raised was approximately £8000. The chosen charity for 2005 was CLIC (supporting children and their families suffering from Cancer and Leukaemia) - 50% of the money raised supported their work in Cornwall and the remaining 50% benefited other local and international causes.

2006 The day started out misty and dull but by the time all walkers had set out across the start line the sun shone brightly and everyone very much enjoyed the walk.  The Charity was Cornwall MS Support plus many other local and international causes. There were 120 walkers, the highest number recorded so far and sponsorship raised was £11,369.

2007 As on previous years SUNDAY 20TH MAY was a great day for walking.  The sun was out but there was some cloud cover and a good breeze going to ensure that walkers kept cool. The Rotary Club earlier in the year had chosen to work with and support the Scout Movement in its Centenary Year (funding for Cornish Scouts to attend the Centenary Celebrations and develop a camping area at Trencom) and other local and international causes.   There were a large number of scouts and their families walking. In fact over 106 registered and we raised £6,301.

2008 Sunday 18th May and after a short pep talk by Daphne Skinner of Radio Cornwall and Mary Murfin of The Precious Lives Appeal (working to provide a children’s hospice in Cornwall) + Ed Bufton President of Mounts Bay Rotary Club, 100+ walkers set out from St Uny Church Lelant through the golf course and onto the South West Coast Path towards St. Ives.  50% of sponsorship donated to other local and international causes The weather was again amazing. Funds raised: £8,897 .. Thanks to all who walked and sponsered walkers.

2009 Sunday 17th May.  It was decided to assist two charaties - The Cornwall Air Ambulance and the Fishermans Mission Newlyn.  Both charities provided walkers. The remaining 50% of funds raised is to go towards various local causes and Rotary Community and International Charities including Shelter Box, Kids Out, Old Folks Christmas Concert, ACE, Water Aid, Sight-savers to name but a few. Unfortunately the day at 8 pm the heavens opened and this did put off a few walkers  120 registed but only 85 walked.  The estimated value of sponsorship is £6600.

2010 Sunday 16th May.  We worked in partnership with Cornwall Search & Rescue Services. They receive no funding from the Government and have to raise every penny to ensure that they are available to assist the Police and Fire Services in search and rescue operations.  Approx. 80 walkers and somewhere in the region of £3600 was raised.  50% to the partner charity and the remainder will go towards various local, international and other charitable causes.

To prebook your place for Sunday 14th May ring Jim Blain on 01736 710633 and he will take your details to ensure that your place is reserved.  You will then receive full details in due course.

ST MICHAELS WAY PILGRIMS WALK - WALK FOR CHARITY -COAST TO COAST TRAIL