Wootton Couple Walk 1,205 Miles to Rome For Island Boy And Charity

After 87 days and 1,205 miles on foot, Wootton Bridge couple Linda and Paul Southwell have arrived in Rome – completing a marathon trek to raise money for The Lily Foundation, which supports children with mitochondrial disease.

Setting off from Canterbury on 16 May, the pair followed the ancient Via Francigena pilgrimage route, inspired by local three-year-old Teddy Ward, who lives with the rare genetic disorder. So far, they’ve raised £2,744.

Linda said:

“Each penny will help bring us closer to better funding for mitochondrial disease research, alongside vital support for affected families.”

Their journey brought challenges – from blisters, blue toenails and an infected toe, to a gruelling 22-mile stretch in rural France with no food.

But there were also highlights:

encounters with deer and lizards, nights of wild camping, and a warm welcome from nuns in Wisques.

The couple, who didn’t argue once, collected daily Pilgrim stamps along the way, receiving their final one at St Peter’s Basilica.

The Lily Foundation’s Chief Executive, Liz Curtis MBE, praised the pair’s “exceptional achievement” and thanked them for their support.

Linda and Paul also thanked sponsors Heathfield Forest Touring Park, Yates Brewery and Wightlink – and now look forward to their next big milestone — becoming grandparents in January.