Norfolk cycling duo take on a 480 mile ride across the UK.
It’s to raise money for a local homelessness charity.
Last updated 25th May 2021
Two friends from Norwich have teamed up to complete a 480 mile cycle ride across the widest part of the UK.
John Pinnington and Paul Appleby, both 70, set off from St Davids in Wales on 22nd May and will ride 480 miles across the UK before crossing the finish line in Lowestoft seven days later.
The ride will see the duo cycling along the Via Beata Pilgrims Route which runs between St Davids and Lowestoft. Via Beata, when translated, means "Way of Blessing".
The creators of the Via Beata Pilgrims Route are in the process of installing a way-station at 10 mile intervals along the route, each one offering a place of rest and reflection.
There are currently 20 way-stations already in place along the route, including one just a few metres away from Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney’s community at Belsey Bridge, Ditchingham.
John tells us he’ll be using this journey as a time to reflect on life.
“As a christian I hope to find each way station gives me some inspiration.
…some of the art work and perhaps some of the quotes of the bible will help me along in life’s journey.”
Paul says that he’s looking forward to seeing some of the most beautiful scenery the UK has to offer.
‘The thing I get out of it is the contact with nature.
The bird life, the songs, seeing buzzards and red kites is just fabulous"
Paul and John, a Trustee at Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney, are hoping to raise £6,000 for the charity.
Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney provides a home, meaningful work opportunities, support and training for formerly homeless people from its community in Ditchingham. It has charity shops at its Ditchingham site and in Castle Quarter, Norwich, where the 32 formerly homeless people supported by the charity work and receive training.
This money will help the charity continue to support formerly homeless people in and around Norfolk, with some going towards a project to convert part of its community into Bed & Breakfast accommodation. This will give people walking or cycling the Via Beata Route somewhere to stay and will provide hospitality work experience and opportunities for the formerly homeless people
To get involved or find out more, click here