Roger Royle launches Pilgrims' Way Walk

Southwark Canon Emeritus and Radio 2 presenter, Roger Royle, turned medieval in February to launch a sponsored walk along Kent's Pilgrims Way in aid of John Grooms - the national Christian based disability charity of which he is Vice President.

Accompanied by Rochester town crier Peter Sadler, he pounded the streets of Canterbury for a press call to publicise the walk which takes place from 11-15 July. 'Pilgrims' will be challenged to walk the 45 miles between Rochester and Canterbury Cathedrals. Each walker is asked to commit to a minimum of £500 sponsorship.

Roger Royle said: "What better way to take in the medieval heart of Kent and experience the sights and sounds of the countryside. And to mark the European Year of Disabled People by raising funds for people with disabilities."

To get involved in the Pilgrims' Way Challenge, please contact Paul Kwatia on 020 7452 2115.

The Children's Society are walking it too!

Its going to be busy on the Pilgrim's Way this Summer - and all in good causes! The John Groom walkers will be following in the footsteps of The Children's Society who start their sponsored walk from Rochester Cathedral on Friday 27 June, finishing at Canterbury Cathedral on Tuesday 1 July.

For more information on the Children's Society Walk telephone 0845 300 1128.

By the way

Both charities agree that there is nothing to stop you doing both walks - or how about starting out (a few days earlier) from Southwark Cathedral?

In his address he commented that Peter had been at Battersea for "three times as long as the average stay. But clergy do stay a long time in Battersea. When one comes to Battersea, there is nowhere better to go."

"Peter has made his substantial mark on the area. He has been an outstandingly good Rural Dean of Battersea for 10 years. As chair of Christ Church School he has restored it to its glory. Peter has served on many, many Diocesan bodies, and spoken up fearlessly on many subjects."

"Most clergy work for a few years in inner-city parishes and then depart for an easier, quieter life in the suburbs. Peter has stayed, and stayed and stayed."

"This has been enormously to your benefit, and this is one of the very few really full and thriving churches in the inner city. It has one of the largest multi-ethnic congregations in the entire Diocese, and this is largely due to the love and care and stability and hard work that Peter has shown over the past 20 years."

"We thank God for his life and ministry in this place for the past 20 years and we pray for his ministry here in the years to come", he concluded.