Twenty-five years ago, my life changed forever.
At just 18, I lost my dad after his brief but devastating battle with brain cancer. The pain of that loss has never truly faded — but it has become a driving force in my life. Every step I take, every challenge I face, is shaped by my desire to honour his memory and make my family proud.

This year (2025), to mark that life-changing moment, I embarked on my fourth long-distance pilgrimage — walking nearly 2,400km from Canterbury to Rome. It was far more than a physical journey (especially after a recent hip replacement!); it was a journey of the heart — a tribute to my dad, a celebration of resilience, and a mission to help those still fighting cancer today. Along the way, I was humbled to raise over £1,800 for Macmillan Cancer Support.

Though that adventure has sadly come to an end, my passion for exploring and discovering new places continues to grow. I still have a final section of the route to complete one day (once I’ve saved up again!), but in the meantime, I’m keen and eager to keep walking — to discover more of the incredible trails and long-distance paths we have right here in the U.K.

Just as I did on my Via Francigena journey, I’ll be keeping a record of my “tales from the trails” — stories of the places, people, and moments that remind me why I walk: to keep moving forward, to stay connected, and to carry my dad’s spirit with me every step of the way.