On Sunday 2nd July, Mr Rob Collins - SPUC's Supporter Relationships Officer - completed his sponsored challenge of cycling coast to coast, from Walsingham to Holywell. 

This strenuous 310-mile cycle (over five days) raised funds for SPUC and helped to carry the pro-life message across the whole country.

At this time, the Abortion Empire is seeking to silence the pro-life voice. It is more important than ever for us to speak out – and to speak out loudly. Rob’s sponsored cycle symbolised SPUC’s work – a long-term, constant struggle for what is right.

It’s not too late to support Rob’s journey with a financial gift (or even starting a new monthly direct debit):

Here is Rob's report of his journey:

The Plan

The Preparation

I am a relative cycling novice – a regular cyclist of small, to medium distances.

I used to often cycle the 10 miles or so to work and back, but I have never attempted anything like this. My bike is not an expensive pro- bike, but a sturdy old 3-speed bone-shaker.

Nevertheless, I completed some longer rides prior to set-off, and calculated that I could cycle about 65 miles a day.

Setting off

I set off from Walsingham early on Wednesday morning, being keen to make some headway before lunchtime.

In fact, on only one day did I manage to stop for lunch, as the ride was much longer and harder than I had imagined.

I did my best to avoid busy A-roads but this wasn’t always possible, especially around big towns like King’s Lynn and Stoke-on-Trent.

Nevertheless it was a beautiful experience to be cycling through the English countryside whilst passing by some of our most hallowed places, such as Crowland Abbey on the first day.

Arrival

I arrived at the shrine of St Winefride at exactly 9.00am on Sunday morning, and was the only person there for about one hour.

This was a beautiful experience and gave me time to ponder over the struggle we are all involved in.

Away from the hubbub of the world with all its demands and its “essential daily news” the long- term, spiritual nature of our battle became all the more apparent to me.

Whatever the media has decided is the big story to get us fired up every day, this story goes on day after day, year after year, and is hidden from view.

But each of the children who lose their lives every day, their lives are no less precious in the eyes of God than our own lives. Some of the most tragic events are hidden from view, out of the glare of the public gaze.

Despite all the ups and downs, short-term set-backs and disappointments, it became obvious to me that ultimately, justice will prevail.

So thank you for all your prayers, alms and deeds – and it’s not too late to support us if you would like to do so!

You can make a single sponsorship gift or even set up a new monthly direct debit:

Meeting SPUC Supporters

For Rob, the highlight of the trip was meeting up with SPUC supporters on the way.

Seeing your commitment, hospitality and good humour is always humbling. It gave Rob hope that we can and will make abortion unthinkable. Here's what he said:

Late afternoon on the second day, I met up with Frances and Sandra from SPUC Mowbray and Rutland. The group has donated £50 to the event and they also treated me to lunch.

The ride across the Nottinghamshire wolds was very hard, so I was glad of a rest and to see a friendly face!

That evening I stayed in Nottingham with Peter, and John Edwards and his family. We had dinner (cooked by John!) with other SPUC supporters from the Nottinghamshire group.

The previous day, John had gone out to clean up some litter outside his house and immediately found a £50 note lying in the hedge! It was a sure sign that God had blessed the event and augured well for future funds!

Early on the morning of the last full cycling day, I was met in Newcastle-under-Lyme by Peter Hambley and his brother David. Peter is 88 this month but still a keen cyclist (and SPUC supporter!).

Peter led the way to Chester, a distance of 40 miles, climbing up out of Newcastle-under-Lyme for a steady 4 miles at a speed of 10mph. It was much faster than I would have managed on my own.

Don't forget - YOU CAN STILL DONATE TO ROB'S FUNDRAISER!

You can make a single sponsorship gift or even set up a new monthly direct debit.

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Rob's journey from coast-to-coast represents our need to spread the pro-life message across the whole country. Things will not change until people from coast-to-coast are asking their family, friends, and neighbours:

PLEASE support Rob's cycle with a one-off gift or a new monthly direct debit to make this vision a reality.