On 29 January 2024 my sister Sheila passed away, less than four months after her diagnosis with pancreatic cancer. She had just spent a second summer travelling the coastline of Britain, making new friends and visiting old ones. She had an indomitable spirit, loved long-distance walking and cycling, and knew how to appreciate everything -- from castles to chaffinches.

In memory of Sheila, and drawing courage from her 'can-do' attitude, I am going to take up the Cathedral Cycle Route challenge, a 1,825-mile journey clockwise around England to visit all 42 cathedrals (plus a few abbeys and minsters), from Newcastle to Canterbury, from Truro to Carlisle. Twenty-six of them are medieval (built between 1040 and 1540) and all of them are majestic feats of architecture and craftsmanship.

I will not be attempting it in one go (in case you haven't noticed, I'm not in the prime of youth), but over a series of trips spread over a year or so, raising awareness for PCUK along the route. Fellow cyclists who would like to join me for any of the stages, please do get in touch!

You can follow my journey on Polar Steps: https://www.polarsteps.com/AlastairRolfe.

As of 25 August 2025, I have now visited 40 cathedrals. At the end of the month I shall be pushing north to Carlisle Cathedral from Manchester, via Blackburn Cathedral, and then completing the loop by following Hadrian's Wall all the way to Newcastle where I started.

Thank you for your support.

About Pancreatic Cancer UK

It’s unacceptable that more than half of people diagnosed with pancreatic cancer die within 3 months. Survival rates have improved enormously for most cancers, yet for pancreatic cancer, this is not the case.

Pancreatic Cancer UK is dedicated to taking on this injustice using every possible means. They're supporting people with pancreatic cancer now, campaigning, and funding vital research to transform the future. Help them to make the breakthroughs that people with pancreatic cancer so desperately need.

Along with several members of my family, I was personally helped greatly by the support and advice given by specialist nurses working for Pancreatic UK during my sister's illness. The research funded by the charity will, we hope, dramatically increase survival rates and contribute continued benefits to sufferers and their families worldwide.