Graham KNIGHT
The Thousand Kilometre Walk
Fundraising for Cancer Research UK
Story
Thanks for taking the time to visit my JustGiving page.
UPDATE
Overnight we have passed our fundraising target. Having seen the incredible generosity of our friends, our families and our colleagues over the past few days it has become clear that our goal of 1,000 pounds was pessimistic. Thanks so very much to all of you who have donated to the Thousand Kilometre Walk. And with half of the journey still to come and pledges to be received we’re keeping our appeal open.
Our Story
In 2004 my Dad, Jack Knight, was diagnosed with prostate cancer. In 2007 my brother-in-law John found out he had bladder cancer. On the day he received his all clear in 2009 my sister Helen contracted cancer of the womb. in 2008 my 85 year-old mother found out she had breast cancer and would need a mastectomy. And just after Christmas 2015, my partner Jan was told she had breast cancer.
Apart from my Dad, who died in 2010, all my other relatives have survived. Twenty years ago that may not have been the outcome but because of the advances made in cancer research they're alive and thriving. We're not unique. Many other families have had experienced similar traumatic experiences. Many other families haven't been so fortunate.
The Challenge
So to thank all those who have dedicated their lives and careers to Cancer research, on behalf of my family I'm doing the 1000 Kilometre Walk from south-western France to Santiago de Compostela in north-east Spain. It is the route taken by millions of pilgrims from the Middle Ages until today. There are several routes from all over Europe. It's called El Camino (The Way) and it's been made famous by books, TV series and a film. All those who make the trip have different reasons. Some do it for religious and spiritual reasons. A couple of people I spoke to did it when their partners died. Others do it for the physical challenge.
I have met and spoken to several people who have completed El Camino. Some are doing it in stages, with breaks in between. An old schoolfriend did it in 23 days which is probably a record! It's supposed to take 38 days from St. Jean.
Although I decided to do the Camino, the truth is when I left our house in the village of La Sauvetat on 26 August 2018 my purpose was to regard it as a challenge. I knew I wouldn't do it in 23 days. I have commitments in the UK that mean I don't have the time to do it one go so I'm doing it in blocks. But walking through the beautiful French countryside gives you a lot of time to reflect, and my conclusion was that this walk should mean something. So I discussed it with my family, and this justgiving page is the outcome.
Today is 26 August, a year to the day since I set out from the village of La Sauvetat. That first day I walked 54 Kms and had the blisters and strains to show for it weeks later! I’ve learned a lot since then.
Now we’re in northern Spain. For the past 7 days we’ve been walking through the Pyrenees, through Pamplona and into the olive groves, vineyards and wheat fields of Navarra. As of today I have covered 371 Kilometres in a total of 13 days walking from south-western France With me is my close friend Alex Horwood who lost his own father to cancer in 2008. Over the next 7 days we will reach the city of Burgos. Another friend will walk with me from Burgos to Leon in October, and I will do the final 200 Kms to Compostela next year. It's not the most arduous or strenuous of challenges, like a marathon or swimming the channel. Thousands of people do it every year but believe me it's tough. Even the seven days I've just done has left me aching in every part of my body! But most important isn’t the momentary discomfort. It's our way to thank the dedication of cancer researchers, and the advances they have made that have enabled my family and so many others to be alive today and thankful for their brilliant work.
You'll be able to follow my progress on my Facebook page.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.
UPDATE
Overnight we have passed our fundraising target. Having seen the incredible generosity of our friends, our families and our colleagues over the past few days it has become clear that our goal of 1,000 pounds was pessimistic. Thanks so very much to all of you who have donated to the Thousand Kilometre Walk. And with half of the journey still to come and pledges to be received we’re keeping our appeal open.
Our Story
In 2004 my Dad, Jack Knight, was diagnosed with prostate cancer. In 2007 my brother-in-law John found out he had bladder cancer. On the day he received his all clear in 2009 my sister Helen contracted cancer of the womb. in 2008 my 85 year-old mother found out she had breast cancer and would need a mastectomy. And just after Christmas 2015, my partner Jan was told she had breast cancer.
Apart from my Dad, who died in 2010, all my other relatives have survived. Twenty years ago that may not have been the outcome but because of the advances made in cancer research they're alive and thriving. We're not unique. Many other families have had experienced similar traumatic experiences. Many other families haven't been so fortunate.
The Challenge
So to thank all those who have dedicated their lives and careers to Cancer research, on behalf of my family I'm doing the 1000 Kilometre Walk from south-western France to Santiago de Compostela in north-east Spain. It is the route taken by millions of pilgrims from the Middle Ages until today. There are several routes from all over Europe. It's called El Camino (The Way) and it's been made famous by books, TV series and a film. All those who make the trip have different reasons. Some do it for religious and spiritual reasons. A couple of people I spoke to did it when their partners died. Others do it for the physical challenge.
I have met and spoken to several people who have completed El Camino. Some are doing it in stages, with breaks in between. An old schoolfriend did it in 23 days which is probably a record! It's supposed to take 38 days from St. Jean.
Although I decided to do the Camino, the truth is when I left our house in the village of La Sauvetat on 26 August 2018 my purpose was to regard it as a challenge. I knew I wouldn't do it in 23 days. I have commitments in the UK that mean I don't have the time to do it one go so I'm doing it in blocks. But walking through the beautiful French countryside gives you a lot of time to reflect, and my conclusion was that this walk should mean something. So I discussed it with my family, and this justgiving page is the outcome.
Today is 26 August, a year to the day since I set out from the village of La Sauvetat. That first day I walked 54 Kms and had the blisters and strains to show for it weeks later! I’ve learned a lot since then.
Now we’re in northern Spain. For the past 7 days we’ve been walking through the Pyrenees, through Pamplona and into the olive groves, vineyards and wheat fields of Navarra. As of today I have covered 371 Kilometres in a total of 13 days walking from south-western France With me is my close friend Alex Horwood who lost his own father to cancer in 2008. Over the next 7 days we will reach the city of Burgos. Another friend will walk with me from Burgos to Leon in October, and I will do the final 200 Kms to Compostela next year. It's not the most arduous or strenuous of challenges, like a marathon or swimming the channel. Thousands of people do it every year but believe me it's tough. Even the seven days I've just done has left me aching in every part of my body! But most important isn’t the momentary discomfort. It's our way to thank the dedication of cancer researchers, and the advances they have made that have enabled my family and so many others to be alive today and thankful for their brilliant work.
You'll be able to follow my progress on my Facebook page.
Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving - they'll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity. So it's the most efficient way to donate - saving time and cutting costs for the charity.