Cycle, walk, run or even ride your horse between churches in the Harborough district to raise money for charity

A high-profile outdoors event to support local churches and chapels is being backed by a Market Harborough estate agent.

Andrew Granger & Co Ltd is supporting Leicestershire Ride+Stride to the tune of £500 as the company gets behind it for the seventh year running.

It will go ahead across the county on Saturday September 12.

Ride+Stride raises crucial funds to bankroll repairs and improvements to Leicestershire’s historic churches and chapels.

And it will be totally Covid-19 safe as it complies with the Government’s strict social distancing measures.

Participants are encouraged to visit as many churches taking part in the event as they can during the open day and get sponsored for doing so.

Sponsorship forms are available from each church, or you can set up your own page via https://www.justgiving.com/l-h-c-tYou can decide how you get from church to church.

A veritable army of cyclists, walkers, runners, joggers, horse-riders and motor scooter drivers have all taken part over the years.

Cash raised is split between churches nominated by participants and Leicestershire Historic Churches Trust.

The trust awards grants to churches and chapels for repairs and community facilities.

Rupert Harrison, director and head of rural for Andrew Granger & Co Ltd, said: “It’s very important to us a company to support the communities in which our offices are.

“We particularly like to sponsor Leicestershire Ride+Stride because it gives the opportunity to appreciate historic buildings across the county, at the same time as taking in beautiful countryside, getting some exercise and having fun with the family.

“All while raising vital financial support so that Leicestershire’s churches and chapels continue to be enjoyed for years to come.”

Janet Arthur, chair of Leicestershire Historic Churches Trust, said: “We’re extremely grateful for Andrew Granger & Co’s help again.

“We put the money towards the cost of all the printed materials required for the event and posting the items to the hundreds of participating churches.”

She added: “Since it started in Leicestershire in 1990, Ride+Stride has raised over £1,100,000 – an amazing sum which has done a huge amount of good.

“We look forward to welcoming lots of participants this year to ensure the continued success of the event.”

With over 300 churches taking part throughout Leicestershire it’s the perfect opportunity for visitors to take in as many as they like during the open day.

And you can try to beat the very impressive record of 65.

Further information can be found at www.lhct.org.uk/ride-and-stride/ or by emailing [email protected]