Popular annual fundraising event to help struggling churches in Harborough and Leicestershire raises an impressive total

A popular annual fundraising event exploring the Great Outdoors to boost struggling churches in Harborough and Leicestershire has topped an impressive £30,000.

The 31st Leicestershire Ride+Stride venture defied the Covid-19 pandemic to go ahead - and has already smashed last year’s figure by an amazing 50 per cent so far.

Scores of big-hearted people of all ages cycled, walked, ran and even rode a horse to support the vital cause.

Some 300 churches across Leicestershire took part - giving fundraisers a whole host of attractive routes to choose from.

Thrilled Janet Arthur, chair of Leicestershire Historic Churches Trust, said: “It was touch and go whether Ride+Stride could go ahead this year.

“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 much-loved community event could go ahead in a way that was safe for everyone taking part.

“And the perfect weather on the day meant that everyone had an amazing day out.”

She added: “Unbelievably, we have already raised over £31,000 - which is 50 per cent more than we raised by this time last year.

“Donations are still coming in, shared out between individual churches and the Trust.

“The Trust’s share will be used for grants to churches and chapels in 2021 and we are enormously grateful to everyone who got involved!”

The event takes place on the second Saturday of September every year.

It supports churches nominated by participants as well as Leicestershire Historic Churches Trust.

The charity hands out grants to churches and chapels for crucial repairs, restoration, renovations and improvements – keeping them open for worship and community use.

Leading Market Harborough property experts Andrew Granger & Co got behind the fantastic effort by sponsoring the event for the seventh year on the spin.

Rupert Harrison, director and head of Rural for Andrew Granger & Co Ltd, 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 just 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 for a wide range of repair and improvement projects at churches and chapels this year.

You can make a donation to Leicestershire Historic Churches Trust here: https://www.lhct.org.uk/donate/You can find out more information about the event at https://www.lhct.org.uk/ride-and-stride/ or by emailing [email protected]