Last September, Graham Knight successfully completed a walk of more than 1000 kilometres across southwestern France and northern Spain along the Camino de Santiago pilgrimage route, raising funds for Cancer Research. Now, along with some friends, he is embarking on another challenge: cycling to Rome alo
ng the ancient Via Francigena route from Canterbury. The journey stretches over 2,000 kilometres through France, Switzerland, and Italy. The aim is to raise much needed funds for St. Catherine’s Hospice in Pease Pottage, West Sussex. This is not just about the distance covered; it is also about raising awareness for a cause of significant importance—to provide dignity and comfort at the end of a life.
This is personal. Cancer has touched the lives of so many friends and members of my family. I remember with gratitude the care my father received at the end of his life, so I’m fundraising for St Catherine’s Hospice in Crawley; a local charity with a big ambition – to make sure nobody faces death and loss alone. The hospice relies on donations to offer pioneering end of life care and support to people in Sussex and East Surrey. Any donation you can give will mean a lot and make a direct difference to families facing terminal illness. St Catherine’s has never needed our support more. Together, let’s make sure the hospice can continue to provide vital care and assistance to individuals with life-limiting illnesses. The funds raised will help ensure the hospice can continue its work, offering care to patients and their families during challenging times. In 2024, St. Katherine’s opened a new hospice in Pease Pottage, Crawley, but due to a lack of funds and support from the NHS, it can only operate one wing. Seventy percent of St. Catherine’s operating costs are covered by donations.
The ride begins at St. Catherine’s Hospice in Pease Pottage on 11 May. The initial leg of the journey will take the group through their hometown of Horley and onto the old Pilgrim’s Way, making its way through the Kent countryside to Canterbury Cathedral, the starting point of the historical Via Francigena route, then on for the short ride to Dover.
After crossing the Channel, the ride progresses from Calais across northern France, traversing the historic city of Reims, capital of the Champagne region, to Besancon. From there, the journey extends through the Jura mountains to the northern shore of Lake Geneva. The most challenging segment includes a 50 kilometre climb up to the Great St Bernard Pass, followed by passage through Lombardy, Tuscany, and the Adriatic coast, culminating in the historic streets of Rome.
2025
15 - 16 June
St. Catherine's Hospice, Pease Pottage -
Canterbury - Dover
2-10 September
Calais - Lausanne
2026
15 - 25 May
Lausanne - Rome
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