This year is the 950th anniversary of the Battle of Hastings and the most memorable event in the history of our great island

In the build-up to the Battle of Hastings in 1066, King Harold rushed to London from his victory at the Battle of Stamford Bridge (near York) over his brother Tostig and the King of Norway. He then set out at a blazing pace from Westminster Abbey and marched South to meet the invading army of Duke William II of Normandy.

I will walk with some kind friends over 100 miles from Westminster Abbey to the site of the Battle of Hastings over the first week in May 2016. For parts of the route I will be walking dressed as an ageing Saxon housecarl, being Harold's elite guard.  I have charted a historically plausible route with the help of 7 O/S maps and a guide to good pubs.

The aim is to raise lots of money for Shooting Star Chase that are an amazing hospice charity giving crucial support to children with life limiting conditions and in particular their hospice in Guildford.  What they do there is humane and touching.

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.