Two friends from Norwich have teamed up to complete a 480 mile cycle ride across the widest part of the UK to raise money us here at Emmaus Norfolk and Waveney.
John Pinnington, one of our Trustees, and Paul Appleby, both 70, will be setting 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 our community at Belsey Bridge, Ditchingham.
Paul and John are hoping to raise £6,000. This money will help us continue to support formerly homeless people in and around Norfolk, with some going towards a project to convert part of our 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 who now call Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney home.
Speaking about the planned cycle ride, John Pinnington said:
“We’re very excited to be taking on this 480 mile cycle across the country to raise money for Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney. As a trustee, I have seen first-hand the work of this charity and how vital it is for people experiencing homelessness here in Norfolk and across the county.
“We’ve no doubt the cycle will be hard-going at times, but we are excited about travelling the length of the Via Beata Pilgrims Route and having the opportunity to stop at way-stations along the route for rest and reflection. This will certainly be a spiritual journey as well as a physical one.”
Paul Appleby adds
“I’m really excited about riding this unique route and for such a wonderful cause! It’s certainly going to be challenging but cycling through some of Britain’s most beautiful scenery across the breadth of the country for seven days will be a joy.”
To support Paul and John on their 480 mile cycle ride and donate to Emmaus Norfolk & Waveney please visit https://uk.virginmoneygiving.com/Johnandpaulscycle.
