Cathedral cities sponsored cycle

Hubert Pragnell is the first to admit he is “no high-speed racer” and that, on a three-gear 60-year-old bike he bought from a friend in his schooldays, his cycling style is more snail’s pace than supersonic.

But nonetheless the Canterbury artist is determined to complete a 450-mile ride on a bicycle made in 1949 in just six days in aid of the Save Canterbury Cathedral Appeal.

Tomorrow (Wednesday, May 27), Hubert – who has never owned another bike – will be swapping his brushes for his bicycle and his palette for pedal power, when he begins the marathon sponsored cycle from the Christ Church Gate 6am.

After leaving Canterbury, he will be heading, in turn, for the famous cathedral cities of Rochester, Lincoln, York and Durham, while also making stops in Cambridge and Northumberland on the way to his final destination.

He will finish his arduous journey, to be made completely on A and B roads, in the Scottish capital Edinburgh on Monday (June 1).

“It will be a challenge,” said Hubert, who two years ago cycled from Canterbury to York in aid of the Save Canterbury Cathedral Appeal.

“If I could get to York in three days, why not Edinburgh in six.” Hubert is hoping for an average speed of around 10mph for the journey, adding up to 45 hours of hard slog.

“I think this will be the end,” he added, hinting that he may hang up his bicycle clips after this journey.

Hubert’s cathedral city route is no surprise given his connections to English cathedrals – he has been painting and sketching his hometown cathedral and many other churches and cathedrals across the land for many years.

He is a tour guide at Canterbury and also taught for 29 years at the King’s School.

“I’m very conscious of the fact that the Cathedral cannot keep itself going without our support,” he said. “It’s a place that symbolises the centre of Christian faith in Britain – it’s a landmark in the history and culture of our country.” 

You can sponsor Hubert – who also teaches History of Art at OxfordUniversity – by visiting his Canterbury to Edinburgh Cycle Ride fundraising webpage at www.justgiving.com/hubertpragnell2 .

Donating through Justgiving is quick, easy and totally secure. It’s also the most efficient way to sponsor Hubert. Save Canterbury Cathedral gets your money faster and, if you’re a UK taxpayer, Justgiving makes sure 25 per cent in Gift Aid, plus a 3 per cent supplement, are added to your donation.