At Harry’s Pals, we’re incredibly fortunate to have supporters who go above and beyond to help families facing the unimaginable. This September, two of our most dedicated supporters, Nick and Kerstin Banham, are doing just that once again.
On Monday 21 September 2026, Nick (84) and Kerstin (74) will begin Pensioners’ Pilgrimage 2 – an inspiring 95 mile walk from Daventry to London along the Grand Union Canal, finishing where the canal meets the River Thames near Kew Bridge.
Neither Nick nor Kerstin are experienced long distance walkers, making this challenge even more remarkable. Over ten days, they’ll be pushing themselves every step of the way to raise vital funds for Harry’s Pals.
The walk follows their hugely successful Pensioners’ Pilgrimage in 2025, when they travelled from Daventry to Land’s End using nothing but their pensioners’ bus passes. That adventure captured the hearts of many and raised more than £7,000 to support parent carers across England.
So, why have they decided to do it all again?
Nick and Kerstin explain:
“We both feel passionately about Harry’s Pals and have supported the charity for several years, ever since we first met Hayley, the charity’s founder, and her son Harry.”
“Through Hayley’s story, we became aware of the enormous emotional toll faced by parents caring for seriously ill and disabled children. We were shocked to learn how little emotional support is available to many families during some of the most difficult times of their lives.
“Drawing on her own experiences as Harry’s mum, Hayley founded Harry’s Pals to provide emotional support, counselling, respite breaks and peer support for parent carers, ensuring no parent has to face that journey alone.”
Founder of Harry’s Pals, Hayley Charlesworth, said:
“Nick and Kerstin are two of the most kind hearted, selfless people I know. The fact that they’re taking on another incredible challenge at 84 and 74 years old is nothing short of inspirational. Every mile they walk will help parents receive the emotional support they desperately need at one of the hardest times in their lives. We are so grateful for everything they do for Harry’s Pals, and we’ll be cheering them on every step of the way.”
How you can support Nick and Kerstin
Every donation, whatever the amount, will help Harry’s Pals continue providing counselling, therapy, peer support and respite opportunities to families of children with life limiting or life threatening conditions.
If you’d like to support Pensioners’ Pilgrimage 2, please donate here:
www.justgiving.com/campaign/pensionerspilgrimage2
We’ll be following Nick and Kerstin’s journey throughout their walk and sharing updates as they make their way from Daventry to London.
From everyone at Harry’s Pals, thank you Nick and Kerstin. Your determination, generosity and compassion continue to inspire us all.