Beth Steiner to walk 1004km for City Hospice
Beth Steiner (aka Wrinklitourist) has embarked on the epic 1004km Via Francigena walk in Italy to raise money for City Hospice in memory of her friend and colleague Paul, who sadly died in 2020.
Beth’s told us:
“In 2020, I had planned to walk the Via Francigena in Italy, from the St Bernard Pass to Rome, 1004km. For obvious reasons, I wasn’t able to do this, although I managed to squeeze in 115km in July of that year, during the summer lull in the pandemic. The uncertainties of 2021 put the trip off again but I’m hoping to finish it now.
It’s an ancient pilgrimage route which goes from Canterbury to Rome, and, although I am not religious, I do like the thought of travelling in the footsteps of so many others, and exploring some lesser-known parts of Italy. Combining it with raising money for a good cause adds an extra incentive, so I’m picking up where I left off in 2020, and attempting to do 450 of the remaining 900 or so kilometres. I hope to finish it later in the year. I’m doing it alone, and people keep telling me that’s brave, so much so that I am now wondering whether I should be nervous about something! But I walk alone a lot, so it doesn’t feel like there is anything to worry about.
Beth added:
City Hospice gave excellent care to my dear ex-colleague and chum, Paul Thomas, during the illness which led to his death in 2020. Paul was a kind, funny, intelligent man, a great colleague and a caring friend, and is very missed by all who knew him. He was always one of the first to sponsor me when I took it into my head to take on a challenge, and, in fact, sponsored me on this one as well. Although I initially undertook the challenge for dementia charities, it made perfect sense to bring City Hospice into the fold, particularly as Paul died about a week before I went to Italy in 2020, and I joined his funeral via video link from Italy.
Eventually, I hope to raise at least £1004 – one pound for every kilometre – which will be split between two dementia charities and City Hospice. You can give to City Hospice by going on to my Just Giving page: https://www.justgiving.com/team/viafrancigena and clicking the link to City Hospice in the text.
And, if you like, can also follow my progress on my blog: https://wrinkliesonthevia.blogspot.com/ It would be great to have your company as I go along the route, and there will be plenty of photos along the way!”
Lauren Guy, Fundraising Coordinator said:
“What an incredible challenge Beth is taking on – my feet are sore just thinking about it! We’re so grateful that Beth chose us as an additional charity to support after our nurses cared for Paul. Beth’s support will help us ensure we can continue to care for those who need it in Cardiff. Thank you Beth!”
Find out more about how you can get involved with City Hospice
