Tom Benson, Rector of the Braishfield benefice is riding his motorcycle to the Arctic Circle to raise money for Prostate Cancer UK.
In terms of why he’s choosing to make this journey, Revd Tom says: ‘I have met so many families where prostate cancer has affected their lives that doing what I can to help just seems like the right thing to do. So if you are able to support financially then that would be great. If you aren’t able to do that then please do remember to hold everyone affected by prostate cancer in your prayers.’
The trip itself should cover about 6,000 miles and take Revd Tom across France, Belgium, Germany, Denmark, Sweden, Finland and Norway. Although he’ll be travelling in early summer, he will be camping along the way, so has packed a vest just in case it gets a bit nippy!
The trip will hopefully take Revd Tom around three weeks to complete, and he’s undertaking the journey entirely on his own. With a tent packed ready to do some wild camping, he’s just waiting for the summer to arrive before he sets off – as he gets further north he expects the weather to get less clement with perhaps a bit of snow up at the North Cape.
I have always had bikes since I was 16. I love the way you can get away from it all on a bike and that every journey is an adventure – it’s more than a means to get somewhere, every mile is interesting! And it’s also a time apart when I can pray and feel connected to the environment and sense God’s presence. The motorbiking community all know I’m a vicar and people are always interested and asked questions. It’s all about getting amongst people and building relationships and letting the Holy Spirit do his work. I used to go fishing with Terry the Hells Angel in my previous parish! It doesn’t matter what you say on a Sunday morning unless you are also a presence in amongst the people the rest of the time, in my view.
Revd Tom Benson
Revd Tom is not alone in finding spirituality in travel. Many biblical figures were called upon to undergo long journeys, often meeting with adversity and doubt along the way – think of Abraham’s journey to Canaan, the Israelites travelling through the wilderness to the promised land, the Apostle Paul’s missionary journeys, and Jesus himself crossed seas and hiked up mountains! In difficult times we can be inspired by the wonders of God’s creation visible around us, the natural world giving us strength and direction.
I wanted to raise money for Prostate Cancer because as a vicar I seem to be meeting so many people and families affected by this disease. And also among the motorbiking community there seems to be a lot.
Revd Tom Benson
Prostate cancer is the most common type of cancer in men – 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with it in their lifetime. According to Prostate Cancer UK, on average, over 52,000 men are diagnosed with prostate cancer every year, which is 143 men every day.
Revd Tom is embarking on a lengthy journey to the Arctic Circle in order to raise money for such an important cause. If you’re interested in sponsoring him, you can visit his JustGiving page below.
