Pensioners Nick and Kerstin prepare to walk 95 miles to London for Harry’s Pals

With just a few weeks to go, Northamptonshire pensioners Nick Banham (84) and Kerstin Banham (74) are making their final preparations for an incredible 95-mile fundraising walk from Daventry to London in support of Harry’s Pals.

On Monday 21st September, the couple will set off on a ten-day walk along the Grand Union Canal towpath, following the canal all the way to where it meets the River Thames near Kew Bridge.

The challenge, which they have dubbed ‘Pensioners’ Pilgrimage 2’, follows their remarkable Bus Pass Pilgrimage in 2025, when they travelled more than 300 miles from Northamptonshire to Land’s End using only local bus services and their free bus passes.

Their four-day journey involved 18 buses, unexpected delays, missed connections, hostel stays and countless conversations with members of the public, all while raising awareness and vital funds for Harry’s Pals.

This year, Nick and Kerstin wanted to do something completely different – and with the start date now fast approaching, the reality of walking 95 miles over ten consecutive days is beginning to sink in.

“We knew we couldn’t run a marathon or climb a mountain,” said Nick. “But we still wanted to do something that would challenge us and help Harry’s Pals. Neither of us has ever done any long-distance walking or walked consecutive days like this before, so it will certainly be an adventure.”

The couple have been passionate supporters of Harry’s Pals since meeting founder Hayley Charlesworth and learning about the lack of emotional support available to parents whose children have life-limiting or life-threatening conditions.

Kerstin said: “I had never realised the lack of emotional support available to parents of severely ill and disabled children until I met Hayley. Harry’s Pals fills a gap that simply shouldn’t exist. We feel privileged to be able to help raise awareness and funds for such an important cause.”

Ahead of setting off, Nick and Kerstin have recorded a short YouTube video explaining why they decided to take on Pensioners’ Pilgrimage 2, what inspired them to support Harry’s Pals and what they hope to achieve.

They are now hoping as many people as possible will get behind them before they set off – whether that is by making a donation, sharing their challenge or simply following their journey as they make their way towards London.

Watch Nick and Kerstin talk about their challenge here:
https://youtu.be/JvfTtAJOrBQ?si=9Cv3DqotBwVhCOpO

Founded in 2022, Harry’s Pals provides specialist emotional support to parents of children with life-limiting or life-threatening conditions. Through counselling, therapy, peer support groups, mentoring and family respite opportunities, the charity has already supported hundreds of families across England.

Hayley Charlesworth, Founder and CEO of Harry’s Pals, said:

“Nick and Kerstin continue to amaze us. Last year they crossed southern England using only local buses and now, at the ages of 84 and 74, they are preparing to walk 95 miles to London.

“With just a few weeks to go, we would absolutely love people to get behind them. Whether you donate, share their story or follow their progress, every bit of support will mean so much to Nick and Kerstin and to our charity.

“The funds they raise will help us continue providing much-needed emotional support to parents who can so often be left to cope with the trauma and emotional impact of their child’s diagnosis without the specialist support they need.”

Nick and Kerstin have spent months planning their route and preparing for the challenge. Over ten days they will navigate locks, bridges and miles of canal towpaths before finally reaching their destination in London.

Support Pensioners’ Pilgrimage 2

Donate via JustGiving:
https://www.justgiving.com/campaign/pensionerspilgrimage2

Watch Nick and Kerstin’s video:
https://youtu.be/JvfTtAJOrBQ?si=9Cv3DqotBwVhCOpO

To find out more about Harry’s Pals, visit www.harryspals.org

ENDS

Media Contact:

Hayley Charlesworth

Founder and CEO, Harry’s Pals

[email protected]