Rev Ross is run-derful!

Charity challenge for Blantyre Old

A Blantyre minister set herself the epic challenge of running a kilometre for every year her church has been open.

During the month of May, Reverend Sarah Ross pounded the streets doing around 5km every day until she reached 157km – equivalent to 157 years of the current Blantyre Old Parish Church building.

And she is did so to raise much-needed funds for the church after Covid-19 shelved their summer fair and annual sponsored walk plans.

So far the reverend has smashed her £500 target, with over £1800 raised to date.

Rev Ross said: “So my fundraiser might be slightly bonkers but I do love a challenge and I’m relishing running one kilometre for each year the current church building has been open – 157km which is approximately 5km each day – throughout the month of May.

“Though the church building is closed for now, we still have ongoing ministry reaching out, repairs from the winter storms to do, staff on furlough etc, and so the money raised is to help cover costs and provide ministry across the parish and beyond.

“We would have held two fundraisers, including the Kiltwalk last month and a summer fete in June, which always raises a great deal with fab support, so instead this is an opportunity to raise some surplus funds for the church charity.”

While the church is currently closed, the reverend is still working hard providing online worship, printed worship and pastoral care, as well as requirements to support the ministry of the wider community.

Rev Ross added: “I had been debating how we might do some fundraising given the world in which we live, and came up with the run.

“It is all the more apt seeing as one of the first things I did in Blantyre Old was take the 150th anniversary service seven years ago.

“We are so grateful for the continued support and even additional support from people in the church. And I’m very aware of the fundraising going on for so many worthwhile projects and charities.

“In fact we are working hard to promote the foodbank as well, however, the church is a charity that relies on donations as well, and I have committed to this running challenge for Blantyre Old.

“If anyone would like to help then please visit www.gofundme.com/f/ blantyre-old-parish-church.

“Prayer and general encouragement will also be appreciated.

“And if I make my target, I might do the final run in fancy dress. Keep safe and God bless.”