£31k raised for churches
ANNUAL EVENT A BIG SUCCESS DESPITE THE RESTRICTIONS
MORE than £30,000 has been raised for churches around the county in an annual fund-raising event.
The 31st Leicestershire Ride+Stride, in September, saw people walk or ride to one or more of 300 participating churches.
The participants supported individual nominated churches and Leicestershire Historic Churches Trust which gives grants for repairs, restoration, renovations and improvements.
Janet Arthur, chairman of the trust, said: “It was touch and go whether Ride+Stride could go ahead this year and we had very little time to organise it, so we were over the moon when it was such a success.
“All our wonderful church organisers were thrilled that this muchloved community event could go ahead in a way that was safe for everyone taking part.
“The perfect weather on the day meant everyone had an amazing day out.
“Unbelievably, we have raised more than £31,000, which is 50 per cent more than we raised by this time last year and donations are still coming in, shared between individual churches and the trust.
“The trust’s share will be used for grants to churches and chapels in 2021.
“We are enormously grateful to everyone who got involved.”
Property firm Andrew Granger & Co sponsored the event for a seventh year.
Rupert Harrison, director and head of rural for the firm, said: “It’s such a lovely event to be a part of and it was a pleasure for us to support it again.
“Given everything that’s happened this year we’re delighted the event was such a success and that many of the region’s churches and chapels will benefit from the money raised.”
The trust has awarded £40,000 in grants for a range of repair and improvement projects at churches and chapels across the county this year.
Donate to Leicestershire Historic Churches Trust at: