Pilgrimage to Canterbury for Surrey Care Trust

England has a long tradition of pilgrimage dating back to medieval times. One of the most popular destinations was Canterbury Cathedral, where St. Thomas Becket was killed and subsequently made a martyr. For around 350 years, pilgrims would visit his shrine at Canterbury to receive blessings. The route to Canterbury is perhaps best remembered through Geoffrey Chaucer's Canterbury Tales, often regarded as one of the most important pieces of English literature. However, after the Dissolution of the Monasteries under Henry VIII, pilgrimages soon fell out of favour and eventually became a medieval relic. However, being lovers of history and literature, we three travellers plan on retracing the pilgrim's path detailed in the Canterbury Tales and journeying from London to Canterbury during Easter Week.

 

As a part of the journey, we shall be raising money for the Surrey Care Trust. This foundation seeks to improve the lives of young people from disadvantaged backgrounds by creating opportunities for them to learn and maximise their potential.

The proceeds will be going towards Surrey Care Trust’s Gateway Community Allotment programme, which opened in in 2018. The allotment and committed team of staff and volunteers, provide unique skills training and outdoor opportunities for both individuals and families, improving the lives of people affected by social isolation, long term unemployment, conflict within the family, mental ill health, and/or physical health issues. The Allotment provides a ‘safe space’ for people to talk and interact and a central place to deliver local mentoring support. 

“The Gateway is my safe place where I can be myself. I never feel judged by anyone and I have made positive friendships. It has changed my relationship with my family for the better”

Organisers: George Ashworth, Joshua Brady, Nick Byrne

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