'We gave witness to Jesus in each location' Sailor Russ 'deeply touched' to receive award for sailing mission

By Andy Drozdziak

CNSC member Russ Fairman has received a prestigious award for undertaking a unique sailing pilgrimage.

Sailor and evangelist Russ received the British Citizen Award (BCA) Medal of Honour for Services to Volunteering & Charitable Giving (BCAv) at the Palace of Westminster on 24 July. In 2023, he completed a 2,400 mile historic and unforgettable Sailing Pilgrimage around Britain in aid of maritime charity Stella Maris over 70 days to mark Stella Maris’ 100 years of service.

Russ, who is from Hampshire, told CCR he was "deeply touched to receive the BCA Award in recognition of the outcomes of the Round Britain Sailing Pilgrimage.” Paying tribute to the significant part his faith played in the Pilgrimage, he added: “It is an act of God that we arrived safely at every planned port celebration on time, and gave witness to Jesus in each location, with processions and individual outreach.”

Having been involved with CCR for several decades, Russ is a member of the CHARIS National Service of Communion (CNSC) and is part of the Harvesters Men's Network core team. In 2019, Russ organised another intercessory sailing prayer mission for CELEBRATE Trust around Britain, which was extensively covered by the BBC and the national Christian press. A committed evangelist, Russ says he has“a passion for leading people to Jesus and anything ecumenical” and “loves sharing the Good News with folk where they are and on their terms.”

Russ' long-standing support for Stella Maris

Russ is a long-standing supporter of Catholic maritime charity Stella Maris. Through his 2023 Sailing Pilgrimage, he raised over £20,000 directly and contributed to £400,000 raised subsequently through a follow up national campaign.

The BCA, established in 2015, is awarded to people who have made positive impacts on their communities, recognising those who work tirelessly and selflessly to improve society across the UK.

Russ was presented with his award at the Palace of Westminster by TV presenter Matt Allwright and Dame Mary Perkins, founder of Specsavers, on 24th July. On receiving the award, Russ paid tribute to the work of Stella Maris and supporters, saying: “This BCA is awarded 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 deep sense of commitment and satisfaction that our efforts and prayers were making a tangible difference to the welfare of seafarers and fishers who serve our nation.”

Russ with the other medallists at the BCA awards

'Every inch of our coastline was saturated in intercessory prayer'

The 70-day pilgrimage began in Southampton on 29th April 2023 and stopped at over 50 ports and holy sites along the way. Russ said: “In undertaking this epic adventure I wanted to create a deep sense of family and connectedness, among the supporters of Stella Maris, located all around the coastline of Britain, and raise awareness of Stella Maris and the power of prayer.”

Russ highlighted the importance of intercessory prayer in his pilgrimage, underlining the scale of the mission. “Every inch of our coastline was saturated in intercessory prayer by the crew of the Sailing Pilgrimage, who changed daily as the voyage progressed,” he said.

“65 stops were planned, including a fixed schedule of 22 Port Receptions, that were an explosion of joy celebrating Stella Maris' 100+ years of incredible service to seafarers and fishers.”

Stella Maris congratulated Russ on his award and thanked him for his support, saying: “We’re really pleased to share that long-time Stella Maris supporter Russ Fairman has received a British Citizen Award for Services to Volunteering and Charitable Giving at the Palace of Westminster."

“This award is a wonderful recognition of Russ’s dedication and of everyone who helped make the journey such a success.”

Pictures: Stella Maris