Julia Peters, Canterbury Representative of the London-based Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome, is organising a fundraising challenge on the UK section of the Via Francigena, to take place 16 April, 2016. 

The date is significant as it marks the one-year anniversary of Julia’s departure from Canterbury on the Via Francigena.  The event challenges participants to walk the 20-mile section from Canterbury to Dover, with all proceeds going to the charity Save the Children.  The fundraiser is linked to the initiative ‘Kent on the Via Francigena’ launched by Julia last year, to promote the Via Francigena at kilometre zero.  Few local residents are aware that they live at the starting point of this historic route and this initiative, through a blog and events such as these, seeks to inform locals about the Via Francigena and the rewards of undertaking a pilgrimage.  For many, this will be the first time they have walked this kind of distance in a day, and their first experience of the ‘camino spirit’ that one finds when walking a pilgrimage route with a large group of people.   

On a personal level, Julia sees this as a way to give back for all of the generosity she has experienced during the pilgrimages to both Santiago and Rome.  Your participation and support in this event are most welcome.  If you are able to walk or to donate to this worthy cause, please visit the website for more information.