Thetford man set to complete Lourdes cycle bid 

A 79-year-old Catholic parishioner from Thetford is set to complete an extraordinary cycling pilgrimage to Lourdes, two years after a serious accident in France brought his journey to an abrupt halt.

Simon John originally embarked on his mission in 2023, cycling solo from Walsingham to Lourdes — a 1,371-kilometre route linking two of the most revered Marian shrines. His pilgrimage aimed to raise awareness and funds to combat modern slavery.

However, on July 4, 2023, tragedy struck when John was hit by a bus near Chartres, France. Despite initially believing his injuries were minor, he continued cycling for another 60 miles before his condition deteriorated. He was later admitted to a hospital in Blois, where doctors discovered a severe pulmonary embolism caused by a previously undetected blood clot in his leg. He was advised to halt all physical activity indefinitely.

Reflecting from his hospital bed at the time, John described the ordeal as a "little frustrating," but acknowledged his fortune in surviving both the accident and the embolism. “Either the bus or the PE could’ve killed me,” he said.

Now, after a lengthy recovery, John is returning to France to resume his pilgrimage — starting from the very hospital where his journey was interrupted. He plans to cycle the remaining distance to Lourdes in continued support of Caritas Bakhita House, a refuge for women escaping modern slavery and trafficking, run by the Diocese of Westminster.

Since its founding in 2015, Bakhita House has supported more than 170 women and 13 newborns, providing safety, therapy, and practical assistance as they rebuild their lives.

“I believe that everyone deserves to live a life free from exploitation,” Simon said. “My hope and prayer remain the same: that this small act can help raise awareness and inspire people to support the fight against modern slavery.”

His pilgrimage draws attention to a growing global crisis. An estimated 49.6 million people are currently trapped in modern slavery, according to international watchdogs — equivalent to one in every 150 people worldwide. Pope Francis condemned the practice as “a scourge upon the body of Christ.”

John is inviting the public to support his cause through sponsorship and donations to Caritas Bakhita House

Supporters are also encouraged to pray for John's safety as he resumes his remarkable journey, and for all those affected by the crime of modern slavery.
 
Story and picture of Simon John with his bike from rcdea.org.uk