Northamptonshire pensioners to walk 95 miles to London for children's charity
A Northamptonshire couple who travelled more than 300 miles using only their free bus passes last year are preparing for a new fundraising challenge – a 95-mile walk from Daventry to London.
Nick Banham, 84, and his wife Kerstin, 74, will set off on September 21 for a 10-day trek along the Grand Union Canal towpath, raising money for children's charity Harry's Pals.
The pair have dubbed the challenge Pensioners' Pilgrimage 2, following last year's Bus Pass Pilgrimage, which saw them travel from Northamptonshire to Land's End using only local bus services and their concessionary bus passes. The journey covered more than 300 miles, involved 18 buses and several overnight hostel stays, while helping to raise awareness and funds for the charity.
This year, the couple wanted to try something completely different.
Nick said: "We knew we couldn't run a marathon or climb a mountain, but we still wanted to do something that would challenge us and help Harry's Pals. Neither of us has ever done any long-distance walking or walked consecutive days like this before, so it will certainly be an adventure."
Harry's Pals, founded in 2022, supports parents whose children have been diagnosed with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions through counselling, therapy, peer support, mentoring and family respite opportunities.
Kerstin said learning about the charity had opened her eyes to the lack of emotional support available to many parents facing such diagnoses.
She said: "Harry's Pals fills a gap that simply shouldn't exist. We feel privileged to be able to help raise awareness and funds for such an important cause."
The couple's route will follow the Grand Union Canal from Daventry to where it joins the River Thames near Kew Bridge, navigating miles of towpaths, locks and bridges before reaching London.
Harry's Pals founder Hayley Charlesworth praised the pair's commitment to the charity.
She said: "Nick and Kerstin continue to amaze us. Last year they crossed southern England using only local buses and now, at the ages of 84 and 74, they are taking on a 95-mile walk to London. Their determination, kindness and commitment to helping other families is truly inspiring."
Supporters can follow the couple's progress and donate through their JustGiving page as they take on the challenge later this month.