A few years ago, a Southampton parishioner embarked in a 2.5 months long sailing pilgrimage across the UK. We first covered this news in this post Russ’ Round Britain Sailing Pilgrimage For Stella Maris. Now, after having completed an epic journey, we are pleased to announce that Russell Fairman has been honoured with the British Citizen Award (BCA).

Stella Maris has released the following press statement to celebrate the fact:

“Accomplished yachtsman and seafaring charity supporter Russell Fairman, who undertook an epic 70-day, 2,433-mile voyage around Britain to raise awareness of the work of maritime charity Stella Maris, has been honoured with the esteemed British Citizen Award (BCA) at the Palace of Westminster.

Russ, a long-standing supporter of Stella Maris, was presented with the coveted BCA Medal of Honour for Services to Volunteering & Charitable Giving on Thursday 24^th July, in recognition of his outstanding contributions to society.

In 2023, Russ undertook a unique voyage on his trusted 34 ft boat, ‘Mintaka’, covering 2,433 miles – to mark the centenary of Stella Maris’ work. The journey involved daily crew changes with people of varying degrees of sailing experience and visits to 65 ports and historic sites. Hundreds of people from church and community groups across 22 locations in all four nations of the UK also joined in the Round Britain Sailing Pilgrimage on land.

Through his efforts, Russ raised over £20,000 directly to help support the work that Stella Maris does with seafarers and fishers and contributed to a further £400,000 raised through a follow up national campaign. This impressive venture fostered a deeper understanding of the charity’s work in all the coastal communities visited.

Asked how he felt about getting selected, Russ said he is deeply touched to have received the BCA in recognition of the outcomes of the Round Britain Sailing Pilgrimage. He said that, among the crew, the strong sense of family and commitment to helping seafarers and fishers through the services of Stella Maris was overwhelming and motivating.

“The Round Britain Sailing Pilgrimage took two years of planning and nearly three months to carry out. I am so proud of the commitment and kindness of Stella Maris supporters who participated, and the media who got behind us. Together, as a family, we raised public awareness and attracted generous financial support to help Stella Maris provide much needed welfare to commercial seafarers and fishers who work in difficult and often dangerous conditions.

“This BCA is given to me, but I accept it on behalf of all the Stella Maris supporters around the country who participated, on and off the water, in the Round Britain Sailing Pilgrimage. Together we created life long memories of adventure, but this was surpassed by the satisfaction that our efforts and prayers were making a tangible difference to the welfare of seafarers and fishers who serve our nation.”

Tim Hill, CEO of Stella Maris UK said, “We are delighted for Russ. It is a well deserved recognition. As a sailor himself, Russ clearly understands the challenges and sacrifices that seafarers and fishers face, and his epic Sailing Pilgirimage has shone a light on the life-changing work that Stella Maris does providing practical, pastoral and spiritual support to them.”

Stephanie Wood from BCA Partner One Stop commented, “This year’s medalists exemplify the incredible support within our communities, especially during challenging times. We’re honoured to partner with the BCA and play a part in recognising these exceptional individuals.”

The presentation, hosted by TV presenter Matt Allwright, was attended by BCA Patrons Dame Mary Perkins, Founder of Specsavers, and The Rt Hon Lord Dholakia. Following the ceremony, medalists enjoyed an Open Top Lap of Honour tour to celebrate their positive impact on communities the length and breadth of the country.”