Loyal Stella Maris supporter who completed epic round Britain sail receives prestigious award

Matt Allwright, Russell Fairman BCAv, Dame Mary Perkins, Specsavers at award ceremony

Source: Stella Maris

Accomplished yachtsman and seafaring charity supporter Russ 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 24th 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 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 was 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.

Russ said: "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 Pilgrimage 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 in Parliament, a celebratory evening was held at the London Jesuit Centre in Mayfair, attended by family, friends, representatives of Stella Maris, and a number of those who had sailed alongside Russ during the pilgrimage.

After screenings of some films and montages documenting the voyage, Russ delivered a personal speech, thanking all those who had taken part. He recounted some humorous anecdotes, and expressed his deep gratitude for the guidance he felt he received from the Holy Spirit throughout his endeavour - referring to his feelings of "euphoria" sailing on the Mintaka.

He described the round Britain pilgrimage as "embracing the nation in prayers."

Russ later said that, in a time of such uncertainty, "relationships are life - all are brothers and sisters in Jesus Christ," and he intends to continue uniting people through the nationwide community and network built and established through his thrilling voyage.

LINK

Stella Maris: www.stellamaris.org.uk