Mayo man to walk from Canterbury to Rome for charity

Cathal Kelly is about to embark on a huge adventure. The Swinford man is going to walk the 2,200 Kilometer from Canterbury in England to Rome. He will follow Via Francigena which is pilgrimage route that will lead him through South England, France, Switzerland and down to the Vatican: "I am nervous but it is a good nervousness. I've been planning this for weeks and months. It's going to be a physical as well as a mental and personal challenge to walk the distance on my own."

The 46-year-old has done the Camino de Compostela before. That was a challenge for himself. But this time Cathal Kelly has decided to leave his comfort zone for charity: "There was a part of me saying: Don't make a big deal out of it. But then it's such a big challenge, would be a waste not to raise awareness for a good cause."

So Cathal will take donations that will go in their entirety to two specific charities that he has a special personal connection with: "My twin sister Sarah died in Crumlin Children's Hospital on 9th July 1978 aged five months. Sarah was predeceased by our eldest sister Alice who died the previous year on 20th July 1977 also in Crumlin aged four years. Both of my sisters died from a disease called Wilson disease. Wilson disease is a rare disorder that causes liver damage. When talking with my parents about how I want to fundraise for Crumlin hospital in memory of Alice and Sarah they both expressed the wish that I fundraise for the area of research into children’s illnesses" writes Cathal on his website.

The other charity that he will collect donations for is the Mayo Parkinson Association: "In 2005 at the age of 57 my father Charles was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease. For many years after this, he was able to enjoy his life more or less unaffected. However over the last 5 years his life has become more affected by the disease and we as a family see very much the invaluable care and assistance that the Mayo Parkinson’s association offer to so many on a voluntary basis. This is why I am also fundraising for this organisation as I undertake my walk from Canterbury to Rome."

Cathal with his parents Charles and Imelda Kelly

Apart from a physical challenge and a spiritual journey, the walk through half of Europe will also be of cultural value for Cathal: "This particular route is fascinating. I have never been to Switzerland or Italy. I'll cross a historically important area. Canterbury. The Champagne area where the famous drink comes from. World War I battlefields. Reims cathedral. And crossing the Alpes on the same route that Napoleon used going to Italy more than 200 years ago."

The next four months will be a huge challenge for Cathal. it all starts on Sunday June 16 and he hopes to arrive in Rome on October 10.

"There will be so many exciting places. Geneva or the Italian town of Lucca. It will be difficult to leave all these places after a night and keep going."

Some pilgrims choose to sleep in tents, but "as much as I want to challenge myself, I need a proper bed to sleep" laughs Cathal.

He will update his blog along the way. You find all the information on his route and on how to donate here.

And Cathal will be active on Instagram for everyone who wants to follow his adventure: 

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