Sponsored Event 2021: The Pilgrims' Way - Rochester-Canterbury

From 22-23 June 2021, SPUC’s General Secretary, Matthew McCusker, and the fundraising team, completed a 40m walk from the cathedral city of Rochester to the cathedral city of Canterbury, a walk known as The Pilgrims’ Way. Starting out on the morning of the 22nd, the team left from Rochester Cathedral itself, a site intimately linked with the life of St John Fisher. They then followed a significant section of the North Downs Way, walking at a lively pace before getting into Ashford at night. The second and final day saw the team setting off early so as to reach Canterbury, where, outside the Cathedral, prayers for SPUC's supporters and donors were said. Thoughts of the unborn children and women, whom suffer the most from our nation's permissive abortion laws, were at the front of the minds of all that took part. 

To hear more about what the team got up to on the walk, read the post-event report.

As supporters of SPUC, you have all given so generously in the past in response to these annual sponsored events, enabling us to counter the unabating threats to life that arise. Please read on to see what this year’s sponsored walk is in aid of, and why further help is needed:

Well over a year ago now, in March 2020 home abortion was introduced in England, Scotland and Wales under emergency Covid-19 regulations. Both abortion drugs, Mifepristone and Misoprostol, can be now taken at home. In addition, abortion pills can be sent to women without their having to see a doctor in person.

Governments at Westminster, Holyrood and Cardiff have held consultations on whether to make these regulations permanent. We are expecting their decisions soon. SPUC has mobilised our extensive network of grassroots supporters and has been fighting hard to stop home abortion becoming part of Britain’s already brutal abortion regime. But we must be ready to continue the fight for unborn babies and their mothers.

Home abortion has a terrible human cost. Every abortion ends an innocent life. And there are serious dangers for women who will be taking drugs that can lead to serious medical complications, without the supervision of health professionals. Moving abortion into the home also makes women much more vulnerable to coercion from abusive partners and family members.

SPUC warned a year ago that home abortion would have a devastating impact on both women and unborn babies. Well now, a year later, with the knowledge of heart wrenching testimonies from women who have undergone abortions at home, and stories of women being admitted to hospital with home abortion-related complications, those premonitions have sadly been realised. What’s more, SPUC is now armed with the results of two polls that we commissioned, which reveal significant concern amongst both the general public and GPs for women having home abortions.

The Government are seriously considering making DIY home abortion legal on a permanent basis, help us put up the strongest possible fight against home abortion, and stop this cruel regime in its tracks. Please consider supporting the efforts of the fundraising team by making a donation, and by sharing this information with as many people as possible.

Help us reach our £100k target!


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National Sponsored Event - over the years!

  • June 2018 - Preston-Walsingham 200m cycle

    In June 2018, SPUC Activist, Tony Mullett, cycled just over 200m from the then newly-opened SPUC office in Preston, all the way down south to Walsingham. SPUC supporters managed to raise an overwhelming £87,803! Click here to read event report in full.

  • June 2019 - Hadrian's Wall walk

    In June 2019, SPUC's General Secretary, Matthew McCusker, walked the length of Hadrian's Wall, from Wallsend in the East to Bowness-on-Solway in the West. Just over £90,000 was raised by SPUC's generous fundraising family. Click here to read event report in full.

  • July 2020 - Sponsored Fast

    In July of 2020, SPUC's then newly-appointed Fundraising Officer, William Currie, completed a 9-day fast. Restricted in what we could do in the way of outdoor pursuits because of the government's response to Covid, a fast presented itself as a worthy alternative. Proving once again the considerable generosity of SPUC supporters, just over £100,000 was raised! Click here to read event report in full.

  • June 2021 - Rochester-Canterbury 40m walk

    From 22-23 June 2021, SPUC’s fundraising team, led by General Secretary, Matthew McCusker, walked The Pilgrims’ Way, a 40m walk from the cathedral city of Rochester to the cathedral city of Canterbury. With such incredible amounts raised in recent years, the team have set their fundraising target at £100,000! Whilst the walk is complete, the opportunity to donate still remains. In your kindness, please give at the link below! Click here to read event report in full.