Divine boost for churches with rides and strides
THE 32nd Leicestershire Ride+Stride proved as popular as ever this year, raising more than £30,000.
The weather was kind as numerous people of all ages cycled, walked and ran to raise money by visiting as many participating churches and chapels in a day.
The annual event raises funds for individual churches nominated by participants, and for the Leicestershire Historic Churches Trust. In turn, the Trust gives grants to historic churches and chapels throughout Leicester and Leicestershire for repairs, restoration, renovations, and improvements – keeping these important buildings open for worship and community use.
There were 272 participating churches and chapels across Leicester and Leicestershire this year, giving many opportunities to choose an attractive route to see as many churches as possible.
Janet Arthur, chairman of the Leicestershire Historic Churches Trust, said: “It was a beautiful day for the event and as ever, we were hugely grateful to all of the cyclists and walkers, welcomers at churches, and all the very generous sponsors.
“We have raised over £30,000 so far from this year’s event which is amazing, and the donations are still coming in - shared between at least 119 individual churches and the Trust.
“The Trust’s share will be used for grants to churches and chapels in 2022 and we are enormously thankful to everyone who got involved.” Property experts Andrew Granger & Co showed their support by sponsoring the event for the eighth year in a row. Rupert Harrison, director and head of rural for Andrew Granger & Co Ltd, said: “We’re so happy for Leicesterhire Ride+Stride that the day was able to go ahead again, and proved such a success.
“It’s a wonderful event with a great cause and we were delighted to be able to support it once more.”
The Trust has awarded £23,250 in grants for a wide range of repair and improvement projects to 18 churches and chapels across the county this year, with further applications under consideration so the total in grants awarded is likely to be £30,000 for more than 20 churches. If you would like to make a donation to the Leicestershire Historic Churches Trust you can do so through the following link:
£30K RAISED AS PEOPLE GOT ON THEIR BIKES OR STEPPED OUT FOR CHAPELS
The donations are still coming in - shared between at least 119 individual churches and the Trust Janet Arthur