A couple are on their way to completing a 1,500-mile pilgrimage from Salisbury to Rome – three years after originally setting off - in order to raise money for charity.

For Julie and Tom Davis, it has been a less than straightforward challenge as they had to put the walk, which they started on February 15 2020, on hold due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

They were finally able to restart their journey in March 2022.

The pair took a break at home in late July to escape the hot summer temperatures in northern Italy, resuming their walk again in October to cross the Po Valley and Apennine mountains to reach the city of Lucca in November before returning back to the UK to rest up.

On Thursday, March 2, they embarked on the final part of their walk to Rome, setting off from Lucca, Tuscany.

They hope to arrive in Rome by Monday, March 27, where they will get their “Pilgrim Credentials” stamped at the Vatican. 

Its all in aid of the Stars Appeal. 

Speaking before heading off on the walk, Julie said: “When we started this walk it felt overwhelmingly long, and initially as if we were hardly making any progress.

"It is about 2,400km from Salisbury to Rome. We have now walked 2,006km with 414km left to go.

"That is about 83 per cent of the total distance done. We just have to walk through some more of Italy and into Vatican City, and it now feels like we may actually get there.”

The pilgrimage was part of Julie’s retirement plan and a way to get fit as well as supporting her colleagues at the Hospital.

The pair started the first part of their journey, from Salisbury to Winchester, in February 2020, battling against strong winds and torrential rain as Storm Dennis hit, and had initially planned to make it to Rome by the autumn.

Julie and Tom set off again in March 2022. Their journey, which has been done in stages with rest breaks, has taken them through England, France, Switzerland and Italy.

Julie and Tom are also raising money for the Wessex Rivers Trust and Salisbury Cathedral Choral Foundation.

They have raised around £15,000 in total so far, with more donations pledged. 

Helena Sinclair, of the Stars Appeal, said: “The money [Julie and Tom] raise by doing this walking challenge will help us towards the £1m we aim to raise this year to fund projects supporting patients, their families, and staff at Salisbury District Hospital. If you’re inspired by Julie and Tom to get walking, then sign up to our Walk for Wards on Sunday, July 9 at Wilton House.”

Click here to donate to Julie and Tom’s campaign.