Derrick Downs has been supporting Oasis for over 25 years as a member and Chair of the Board of Trustees and as a dedicated fundraiser.
In his 90th year, Derrick is taking on his biggest fundraising to date as well as raising awareness across Kent of our vital services.
Below is his route. Cheer Derrick on along the way and help him in finishing an amazing 90 mile walk across the beautiful Kent countryside at the age of 90!
Follow Derrick’s Route…
Day 1 – Derrick’s birthday – 22 Jan 10 am ✅
Leave from Western Heights, Dover, walk down Military Rd to roundabout. Turn right along Old Folkestone Rd cross over A20 bridge and follow cycle path to Capel Le Ferne. Continue past Battle of Britain Memorial then turn half right at the Valiant Sailor Pub down Crete Rd East. Follow the road which becomes Crete Rd West and passing the Eurotunnel terminal on the left. After 2 miles go left along Danton Lane, Hill Lane to Peene and Newington. Cross A20 to the Holiday Inn, Folkestone arriving between 4 and 5PM.
At the end of Day 1, Derrick said: “It went very well and I’m looking forward to a birthday bath and a meal.”
Day 2 – 23 Jan 10am ✅
Leave Holiday Inn, Folkestone and go through Newington, Peene and along the Elham Valley Way to Etchinghill. Follow main road for approx. ¾ mile to Newbarn and then track past Postling Wood and after about ¾ mile rejoin North Downs Way past Hempton Farm through Stowting. At Highfield Farm branch left to Brabourne arriving at the Five Bells Inn, Brabourne between 4 and 5pm.
At the end of Day 2 Derrick said: “It’s been very good. A little rain, a little wind but nothing too bothersome.” When told he’d reached his £9000 target he said “It’s cheery news. I’m very happy people have been donating so much. It motivates me even more to complete this challenge for Oasis.”
Day 3 – 24th Jan 10am ✅
Leave the Five Bells Inn, Brabourne and follow the Pilgrims Way past Missingham Farm. After approx. 2 miles take right fork down Amage Road. After 1ml at Coldharbour Farm road crossing, go over and head towards Wye. Through Wye and cross railway onto Harville Road after 1ml cross Canterbury Rd head towards Boughton Lees. Rejoin North Downs Way past Eastwell lake on left and after approx. 2mls cross road at Dunn Street Farm continue on North Downs Way for approx. 2 1/2mls to Charing. At main road junction turn right up the hill to Bowl Road. Turn into Bowl road and after 1ml arrive at the Bowl Inn, Charing between 4 and 5pm.
At the end of Day 3 Derrick said: “It has been a longer day today with lots of muddy stretches making walking more difficult.” Derrick has decided to double his initial target and is now hoping to raise £18,000. “I have met lots of generous people along my walk and am hopeful we can raise more for Oasis.”
Day 4 – 25thJan 10am ✅
Leave the Bowl Inn, Charing and go down Hart Hill for approx. ¾ ml and turn right at Hart Hill Farm onto North Downs Way after 2 ½ miles pass turning to Lenham continue past Marley Works, Harrietsham turn off for further 2 ½ miles to Hollingbourne. At junction between Hollingbourne Hill and Upper St leave North Downs Way and join the Pilgrims Way passed Broad St Farm and Cobham Manor to the Black Horse Inn in Thurnham arriving between 4 and 5pm.
At the end of Day 4 Derrick said: “The weather was on my side today, but I had to climb over five stiles and I realised halfway over the first one it’s probably not something to do at my age. It was a very nice day of walking and I bumped into a man who worked for rescue services who gave me a donation on the spot.”
Day 5 – 26th Jan 10am ✅
Leave Black Horse Inn, Thurnham and follow road to Detling cross over the A249 via bridge following the Pilgrims Way past Warren Farm and Downs View Farm. After ½ mile the road turns sharp right and after further ½ mile turn left at Harp Farm on Harp Farm Road towards tunnel under M2. At roundabout take the 3rd exit onto Lords Wood Lane. After approx. ¾ mile cross roundabout and then after 1 mile turn right onto Lords Wood Lane. At junction turn left onto North Dene Way after 1 ¾ miles at roundabout go onto Capstone road and then onto Luton High Street. Then after short distance go onto Beacon Hill then left to Beacon road. After 100yds footpath on right to Ashtree Lane then left to A2 and then right Nelson Road after 200yds fork right to Napier Road. At junction turn right then left on Gillingham Road. Cross rail line and after ½ mile turn left at roundabout. Premier Inn, Gillingham is on right after ½ mile.
At the end of Day 5 Derrick said: “Today was very wet and hilly but at least it wasn’t muddy. I am looking forward to a warm bath to defrost and an early night.”
Day 6 – 27th Jan 10am ✅
Leave Premier Inn, Gillingham and walk east. Cross first roundabout. After 1 ml turn right at roundabout pass under rail bridge and after ¾ miles turn left at roundabout onto A2. After 8 miles arrive at Travelodge Sittingbourne at between 4 and 5pm.
Derrick pictured with Ann West (Kent Ambassador) and Dr Gill Fargher (High Sheriff of Kent), and our Medway Services Manager (who can’t be pictured for safeguarding reasons).
At the end of Day 6, Derrick, who completed this leg of the journey in less than 6 hours, said: “Today was eventful because after about 3 or 4 miles into the walk we saw an elderly woman in front of us fall over and she cracked her head open rather badly. There was a lot of blood and we had the High Sheriff of Kent, Dr Gill Fargher walking with us so she took a look at her and we helped her up. As luck would have it, a police car came along and one of the officers was medically trained and they took her to hospital. We then walked on and stopped for a cup of hot coffee. The weather was very good today and the wind was on our tail, with very little rain.”
Day 7 – 28th Jan 10am ✅
Leave Travelodge, Sittingbourne walk east for approx. 8 ½ miles on A2 just past Faversham turn left on Love Lane after ½ mile turn right on to Graveney road after 1 ¼ turn left onto Head Hill after 1 ½ miles through Graveney turn right onto Monkshill road after 1 ¾ miles arrive at Travelodge, Whitstable between 4 and 5pm.
At the end of Day 7 Derrick said “It was the wettest morning of walking yet but then it cleared up and the most extraordinary thing happened. I bumped into someone I knew back in the 1950s and 60s who I hadn’t seen since. He recognised me on the news and happened to be holidaying in Kent so he found me on my route. And I’m rather pleased to have now exceeded my new target. Apparently with the Gift Aid it’s at £19,300, which is great news.”
Day 8 – 29th Jan 10am ✅
Leave Travelodge, Whitstable cross A299 via bridge, 2nd left then at end of road turn right through Yorkletts, pass under A299. After ¾ miles at cross roads turn right to Old Thanet Way and go left on this road, passing 5 roundabouts.
After approx. 5 ½ miles turn left at 6th roundabout to Herne Bay. After approx ¾ miles turn right at roundabout uphill to railway bridge. Cross bridge to Premier Inn, Herne Bay arriving between 4 and 5pm.
At the end of Day 8, Derrick said: “It’s been very nice to have the company and we stopped for a cup of coffee on the way. It’s tremendous news that so many people have donated almost £20,000 now. I’m very encouraged. I got some honks from cars along the way.”
Day 9 – 30th Jan 10am ✅
Leave Premier Inn, Herne Bay cross rail bridge; fork right onto Reculver road then Reculver Drive to Saxon Shore Way for total of 2 miles. Turn right along coast to Reculver and then 4 miles to Minnis Bay. At Minnis Road turn right, after ½ mile pass under rail bridge to Birchington Square. Turn onto A28 to Margate. After ½ mile turn left down Epple Rd then right along coastal path. After 4 ½ miles arrive at Barnacles Pub, 1 King St, Margate CT9 1DD at 4 PM.
At the end of Day 9, Derrick said: “The weather was very nice and the wind was pushing me along. I’m going to have a good rest now. I’m very happy that we’ve now reached over £20,000. Thank you to everyone who has donated.”
He did it! The amount he raised when he crossed the finish line was £22,456.
Derrick, we are in complete and utter awe. You have inspired so many with this challenge, and we are eternally grateful for what you have done in these past 9 days and for the past 25 years to support Oasis.