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Naomi House helps families along their difficult journey, from the diagnosis of life-limiting illness to the death of their child, and beyond.  Nurses, carers, doctors and our bereavement team help with medical, physical and emotional issues

Naomi House offers families 16 bookable respite nights every year. Respite means the chance for everybody to relax from what can be very stressful lives of 24-7 caring.

In addition, families can come to Naomi House when emergencies arise, either with their child or within the family. One bed at Naomi House, is always kept for emergencies.

I have loved working at Naomi House for the last 10yrs, mainly as a carer but now as a carer and housekeeper purchasing items for both Naomi House and Jacksplace our new young peoples place and making sure that everything looks good for when children and families come to stay plus many other jobs.  It is a very happy environment.  Everyday is made special as you never know when it could be their last.  Singing and music, stories, art, games, the beautiful sensory room, outings, talented visitors and relaxing in our lovely hydrotherapy pool.

Naomi House is a very worthwhile charity to give to, if I didn't think so I wouldn't be cycling 300 miles in 4 days (ouch!).

 

Itinerary

Day 1 - London to Calais

After registration at the start point in Bexley, we start early at approx. 7am to avoid the hustle and bustle of the London traffic.  It's not too long before we're cycling to the outskirts of London and hitting the countryside of Kent.  We push on cycling to Rochester, where we join some of the 2007 Tour De France route - here's when we'll feel like cycling champions as we tackle some rolling hills, following the track marks of the giants!  We then board the ferry at Dover to Calais. 

Cycling distance - approx 128km / 80 miles

 

Day 2 - Calais to Arras

Following breakfast at the Hotel, we start cycling through traditional French countryside, with views of green meadows as far as the eye can see as Calais is left behind us.  The roads are much quieter and after approx. 43 km, we reach St Omer - a quiet, unassuming and attractive little town.  It displays flights of Flemish magnificence and is home to the Gothic Basilique Notre-Dame.  After a stop for some refreshment, we continue through Aire-sur-la-Lys, Lillers, and then cycle up-hill for a km or two towards Bruay-la-Buissiere.  We then join the road to Arras where we check into our Hotel.

Cycling distance - approx 125km / 78 miles

 

Day 3 - Arras to Compiegne

After breakfast, we continue with our cycling for approx. 23 km as we head south towards Bapaume, where troops battled in WW1, in the famous "Battle of the Somme".  After a refreshment stop, we continue cycling south to Peronne, through rolling green meadows passing the many war memorials.  Built on an island formed on the meandering course of the Somme, in a blurred world where land and water are indistinguishable and filled with picturesque pools.  We continue cycling as we follow tree-lined avenues which are so traditionally French as we approach our next overnight stop in Compiegne.

Cycling distance - approx 121km / 73 miles

 

Day 4 - Compiegne to Paris

The final day of our European cycling adventure in the saddle sees us leave the beauty and history of Compiegne, as we cycle south through the stunning forest and the lush parks that surround this majestic town.  It's not long until we reach the east outskirts of Paris.  We then cycle around to the north and then proceed through the small villages and towns.  The sight of the Eiffel Tower will push us on with encouragement as we get closer.  We stop for the group to re-assemble before we reach the Tower, then we ride through as a group to complete our Challenge near this landmark of Paris!

Cycling distance - approx 10km / 66 miles.

 

 

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