Purpose of Rotary's Big Space Cancer Appeal? To Raise funds that can be used to transform the facilities of our region's oncology centre leading to improved cancer care.
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This Project is led by The Rotary Club of Cotswold Tyndale of District 1100

Who meets most Mondays @ Dursley Rugby Club, Hounds Green, Stinchcombe, Dursley
07788916505
rob.thomas@rotarybigspacecancer.org
Working Hours : Sun-monday, 09am-5pm
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August 23 @ 8:00 am - August 24 @ 5:00 pm

John Francksen

Update 16th July 2025

The Run for Catherine, please see John Francksen’s Update below :-

“Initially I had the Run (walk and hobble) for Catherine over two days, but it quickly became clear that I needed an extra day due to the tough nature of the route from Cheltenham to Fading Cottage. Here is a quick summary of where we are day by day. The link is at the end and I am currently over £500 for Big Space, but I would really like to get to £1000.

If you plan to join me for part of the route, please let me know and I will give you access to my phone tracking. I head home to sleep in my own bed each night.

Day One, Saturday 23rd August – Cheltenham Oncology unit to Painswick, approximately 15-16 miles. Leave around 9am. Arrive 4-5pm if I don’t get lost! I will use the OS app if I have to.

My last two trials have resulted in me losing the Cotswold Way trail in the woods after Cooper’s hill, which is annoying. I will scope out that specific section as the way markers are a bit sketchy.
I leave the unit and head towards and up to Leckhampton on the trail. The main meeting point along the route is at Crickley hill country park after eight miles. There is a nice cafe, car park and toilets. After that there is not much at all in terms of meeting points, so you have to carry food and drink with you. There is a small car park at Buckholt woods which the trail goes through, but not much else. After that, you get to the nice town of Painswick after coming across the golf course to end the day at the main church.

Day Two, Sunday 24th August – Painswick to Dursley, approximately 17-18 miles. Leave from the church around 9am. Arrive around 5-6pm as a bit unknown.

I still have to check this section so the distance is an estimate from what I have pieced together. Could be another big day on tired legs!
Leave the church and head across the road from the main entrance to continue on the Cotswold way. Today passes through Stroud, Nailsworth and Coaley peak before ending up in Dursley at the market place. There I leave the Cotswold Way. I’ll update you all on this section.

Day Three, Monday 25th August – Dursley to Fading Cottage, 12 miles (as I have covered it). Leave from Dursley around 10.30am as it will take around 3.5 hours to do this last leg.

I head out of Dursley past Spring villas, Leaf & ground and the rugby club. Then take the small road off to the right to Stinchcombe, Charfield (past our house!) and emerge by Wickwar Church. Then a short hop to the cottage and the finish line! There will be a reception in the afternoon, details to follow.
That’s it really. Please support me if you haven’t already and thanks to those who have. I will bring a sponsor form along for those who prefer them. Thanks to Julie Jenner who has offered to join me when I get fed up (it may happen). Any questions please ask.
www.justgiving.com/page/john-francksen-26 ”     Please support John.  It’s a really arduous challenge for a great cause.

Original Post

Over Sunday 24th and Monday 25th August 2025 I (John Francksen of The Rotary Club of Cotswold Tyndale) will be undertaking a run/walk journey of around 35 miles to honour my late friend Catherine Aston. This lady was treated for cancer at the Cheltenham Oncology centre in Cheltenham, and lived at West End, near Wickwar in Gloucestershire with her devoted husband Derek. My trek will take place between these two points, taking in a section of the Cotswold Way Trail. Catherine sadly passed away on 30th December 2023.

This event is for the Rotary Big Space Cancer Appeal, to raise funds to upgrade the current facilities at Cheltenham. Today, you are told you have cancer in a small, windowless office, and we are trying to change the experience to make it a little more bearable. People are invited to join me along the route to remember Catherine. This is not a race! Walking will be included as I want this tribute to be as inclusive as possible. There will be food and refreshments at the finish! Further details to follow.

Please support this as she was a very brave lady, and future patients and the dedicated staff deserve better. Thank you.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the charity. So it’s the most efficient way to donate – saving time and cutting costs for the charity.

Please donate here: www.justgiving.com/page/john-francksen-26

 

Details

Start:
August 23 @ 8:00 am
End:
August 24 @ 5:00 pm
Event Categories:
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Event Tags:
Website:
www.justgiving.com/page/john-francksen-26

Venue

Cheltenham, Oncology Unit, General Hospital, College Rd, Cheltenham GL53 7AN, United Kingdom
General Hospital, College Rd
Cheltenham, Gloucestershire GL53 7AN United Kingdom + Google Map