SPUC’s fundraising team has completed the sponsored walk from Rochester to Canterbury along the historic Pilgrim’s Way to raise money to tackle DIY home abortion that has become widespread as a result of lockdowns. The walk was a success; and so far, £50,000 has been raised, thanks to the generous donations of SPUC supporters.

Led by Matthew McCusker, SPUC’s General Secretary, the group trekked 40 miles in 2 days through the Kent countryside between two of England’s greatest cathedral cities, Rochester and Canterbury, following the well-trodden path taken by pilgrims for over 800 years.

The walk was intended to raise money to continue the fight for unborn babies and their mothers. The funds raised from this event will enable SPUC to push back even more against DIY home abortion.

Governments in London, Edinburgh and Cardiff have held consultations on whether to make dangerous DIY home abortions permanent. SPUC has mobilised its extensive network of grassroots supporters to fight hard against this practice becoming part of Britain’s already brutal abortion regime.

Below is Matthew’s report of the walk:

Day 1

The walk began at Rochester Cathedral, heading towards Borstal along the banks of the Medway River. After crossing the busy M2 motorway, we joined the North Downs Way National Trail and headed into the rolling Kentish North Downs, passing the nature reserves of Wouldham Common and the ancient burial ground of Kit’s Coty.

From here we joined the ancient trackway, the Pilgrim’s Way, and followed in the footsteps of pilgrims travelling to the shrine of St Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral. Reaching the tiny village of Detling, we stopped for a quick lunch.

The route beyond Detling was more challenging. Climbing up onto the top of the chalk ridge, we scrambled up and down the muddy trails, with flocks of sheep cheering us on as we passed through their land. By evening, we were all looking forward to a well-earned rest before tackling the second part of our journey.

Day 2

The second day’s walk was markedly more scenic, with far-reaching views of the landscape. After walking for several hours through the King’s Wood, a historic royal hunting forest, we descended into the picture-postcard village of Chilham, where one of our number suddenly had an attack of hay fever!

We walked through many acres of apple trees owned by the large fruit farming company Mansfield’s.

Passing the ancient hill fort of Bigbury, the sound of roaring traffic on Canterbury’s bypass told us that we were nearing our destination. We climbed the final incline at Harbledown and entered the city’s outer suburbs, where we glimpsed the majestic tower of the cathedral in the distance. The bustle and life of Canterbury High Street was a joy to behold after our time in the country. Our journey ended at the famous church, where prayers for SPUC’s supporters and donors were said.

We had perfect walking weather, although we did get quite sunburnt on Day 2!

Throughout the walk, thoughts of the unborn children and women who suffer most from our nation’s terrible abortion laws were at the forefront of our minds.

Thank you

Thank you to everybody who has supported our walk – we have raised over £50,000 so far! Every penny that has been so generously given will be used to protect innocent human lives.

If you would like to support the efforts of the fundraising team, please consider making a donation, and sharing this information with as many people as you can.

Thank you.