We’ve learnt of the death on 28 February of Cath Grafen, who walked with us between 1979 and 1981 then 1996 to 2002. In 2000 or 2002 Cath and the late Pat Heffernan earned the nickname the “wrinkly rockets” for their pace, especially in the afternoons.
From 1979 Canterbury 2 Pilgrimage
From 2000 St Chad’s Pilgrimage:
In our 2000 diary I found “Cath Grafen gave a wonderful reflection on her involvement with the pilgrimage, starting as the parent of a pilgrim in 1976, with lots of different experiences on the way, and the love and support of all the pilgrims. We concluded with a chorus of Bind Us Together.”
From 2002 Ss Chad & Cedd Pilgrimage
According to the church website, Cath’s funeral will be held at noon on Friday 28th March 2025 at Sacred Heart, Hove.
We send our prayers and condolences to Cath’s family. May she rest in peace.
A dear friend!
Ah yes, the wrinkly rockets. They would always race away from the final prayer stop of the day and I could never catch them!
Sorry to hear of the deaths of Howard Buxton and Cath Grafen.
Of , course, I knew Howard well. He was such an unforgettable character and amazing that he made the trip from the other side of the world for so many years in succession,
As I did not come on the Pilgrimage until 2,003 (apart from joining for about 90 minutes walking from Firle to Glynde about ten years earlier) I don’t think that I ever met Cath.
May they both rest in peace and my condolences to both families.
Sorry to hear about the passing of Howard Buxton and Cath Griffin, may they rest in peace. Xxx remember them both as wonderful Pilgrims. Love and prayers to their dear families at this difficult time. Xxx