The Royal Family praises walkers who have walked 450 miles for the Emmaus charity

Homelessness is a major concern across the United Kingdom and Queen Camilla is, in fact, the patron of a charity that addresses the problem. Recently, a team of walkers completed a Walk of Kindness on World Homelessness Day and the Royal Family sent warm congratulations on the completion of their 450-mile journey.

"Our walkers have made it home!"

Beginning on August 26 in St. David's, Wales, the "Walk of Kindness" began as a "pilgrimage inspired by the solidarity and compassion that companions show one another in our community daily." The monumental effort meant that its participants averaged 10 miles a day for six weeks. The site for Emmaus UK notes that it "follows the route of the newly formed Via Beata pilgrimage through our site in Ditchingham."

It's also notable that the companions who completed this walk “have experienced homelessness, housing insecurity and often severe trauma." Chloe, one of the walkers congratulated by the royals had this to say in her testimonial:

"Being at Emmaus has meant for the first time in my entire life that I've actually seen a future and not just the next day. I've had so much support here and the chance to do things myself and learn from each mistake I've made. I wouldn't be here without Emmaus."

- Chloe

Queen Camilla has been Patron since 2006 and last year joined President of Emmaus UK Sir Terry Waite in celebrating the 25th year of Emmaus Bristol. According to the coverage by the Daily Mail, the charity "tackles homelessness by providing people with a home and a purpose. In return for bed and board, clients - known as companions - work to support the charity in its shops and warehouses."

To learn more about the charity and its work, visit the Emmaus website for more details. Donations are still welcome for this wonderful pilgrimage.