Peeblesshire News | News | A pilgrim's progress

Friday, 5th December, 2008

Published: Friday, 5th September, 2008 12:30

A pilgrim's progress

By David O'Leary

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A tree-surgeon from West Linton is cycling to Spain for water.

Gavin Marshall, 53, from Baddinsgill, near West Linton, is setting off from Le Puys in France tomorrow, heading for Santiago de Compostela in Northwest Spain, and hopes to raise £35,000 for a water project in Zambia.

The route Gavin will be taking is known as ‘The Way of St James’ and is the pilgrimage to the cathedral of Santiago de Compostela in Galicia, where legend has it the remains of the apostle, St James the Great, are buried.

The father of four decided on his mammoth bike-ride after a remark made by his daughter Laura, who had returned from Kenya.

He said:” She told me how moved she had been by the sight of children running after her minibus, begging for water. We complain about petrol and house prices but people in Africa have to walk miles for something as basic as water.”

Gavin has been in training for a number of weeks now and is well prepared for the 1500 km ahead, after already completing a similar cycle across Scotland back in 2005

He said: “The attraction of this route is that it is, I believe, the only remaining pilgrim route which has not disappeared under tarmac. It’ll be an arduous trek off-road and through mountains; the bike will hold up hopefully, my body however is another matter.”

Various family and friends such as his wife and son, Elaine and Nick, will join him at different times along the route.

When asked about the possibility of attempting the trek on a tandem, Elaine said: “A tandem wouldn’t do much for marital harmony. No, I’ll join Gavin four days from the finish for the triumphal entry into Santiago de Compostela.”

The overall aim of the trip is to be able to provide clean water supplies within the districts of Kaoma and Mongu in Western Zambia.

The water project, which is administered by Oxfam, aims in its first year to benefit 15,400 people in 20 communities and 10 schools. By 2010 the project should have improved the health of some 46,000 people.

Gavin has so far raised £17,000 and hopes to have the full £35,000 when he wheels up to the cathedral in four weeks time. Those wishing to donate can do so at www.justgiving.com/gavinmarshall or www.justgiving.com/santiagopilgrimageforwater.

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