Danilo Parisi and his ferry boat hold a special place in the memory and affection of the thousands of Via Francigena pilgrims who have crossed the mighty River Po under his care on their way to Rome.

Earlier this year, while Lombardy was the epicentre of the Covid-19 epidemic in Europe, Danilo's boat was stolen. It was discovered, sunk, some four kilometres downriver, and it could only now be dredged as the Po had been in spring spate. The outboard motor had been taken and the boat wrecked.

Danilo's insurance will cover fifty per cent of the 30,000 euros cost to replace the boat, which is why the Confraternity of Pilgrims to Rome, in partnership with its friends and colleagues at the European Association of the Vie Francigene (EAVF) is leading an appeal - on behalf of the whole VF family - to find the remaining half.

Please help us raise the remaining 15,000 euros needed to restore this unique ferry crossing, and allow future pilgrims to enjoy the wonderful ride across the Po - and Danilo to resume his role as the legendary ferryman of the River Po.