Annual Fundraiser Collects Nearly £200,000 for Church Maintenance

A yearly charitable initiative, dedicated to funding the repair and maintenance of churches in a county, has generated almost £200,000. The Suffolk Historic Churches Trust (SHCT) announced it collected £193,794 during its Ride and Stride event and the Pedal and Drive car rally day, both held on 14 September. Participants in these events, which were first organized in 1982, secured sponsorships to walk, cycle, and operate vintage cars to various churches across the county. Simon Ronan, the SHCT’s Ride and Stride chairman, extended his gratitude to participants for their support. He commented: “It was a lovely sunny day, with not too much wind, and, as always, a great turnout of walkers, bikers, and drivers, on a day to be enjoyed by all.” He further added: “Over 800 churches throughout the county were open on the day. “We thank everyone for their support in sponsoring, and to those manning the churches to welcome cyclists, walkers and vintage cars.”” The Ride and Stride event alone accumulated £152,985, and half of this sum will be allocated to churches nominated by the participants.