Pilgrims Prologue...!

What thoughts pass through the mind of someone reaching, shall we say, a certain age?

Morning reminders from the postman that your annuity options are calling, and that it's time to decide on your pension, perhaps inevitably leads one to contemplate the proverbial 'Bucket List'.

And so it was with me that I was prompted to think of a significant challenge that would test my physical & mental mettle, but which I could also link to raising funds for a highly deserving charity.

But 'what' was my challenge to be? My answer 'Do a Pilgrimage', and take on the challenge of walking 2,200km along the medieval trail of the Via Francigena, from Oxford to Rome.

I readily admit that the distance does sound daunting, and more than a little scary! That said, I take comfort from the fact that my Pilgrimage will be much less perilous than for those poor medieval pilgrims who also ran the risk of being mugged every time they passed through some wicked Baron's domain. Moreover, they had to navigate and endure the long march without the aid of GPS, hi-tec walking boots, and other little mod cons that I will be taking (like a credit card!).

However, I am very aware there will be stages during my long 14-15 week walk, where my stamina and mental resolve will be sternly tested. In this respect, I'm convinced that my late calling to Yoga, and in particular to 'Hot 26', has been key to my physical and mental preparations. The classes should serve me well, particularly when trekking through the Alps, and when enduring the stifling heat and humidity of the paddy fields in Lombardy.

The Pilgrimage should prove to be a great personal experience. I'm told I will come back a "changed man"! This may, or may not be the case, but I sincerely hope I am able to raise plenty of funds for Cancer Research.

If you'd like to contribute, please go to my Just Giving sponsorship page -www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ANDREW-EVANS42

By Andy Evans