Your churches need you – Ride+Stride to go ahead for 2020

Gloucestershire Historic Churches Trust (GHCT) are delighted that despite coronavirus Ride+Stride 2020 will be taking place on 12th September. More than ever, historic churches in Gloucestershire, South Gloucestershire and North Bristol need your support.

Ride+Stride is a nationwide event supported by the National Churches Trust and organised by local historic churches trusts. Cyclists, walkers, and horse riders raise money by being sponsored to visit churches and chapels on any route of their choice. Because of the special circumstances this year, supporters also have the options of taking part in a sponsored activity of their own choice at home, or just donating to the Trust. Of course, everyone taking part should ensure that they follow government guidelines, especially relating to social distancing.

Ray Singleton, GHCT Ride+Stride Organiser said “We are delighted that Ride+Stride has the go ahead for this year. It is always an important event for GHCT and for the historic buildings we support. With churches having been shut for so long, the need for financial help for church renovation and maintenance is probably greater than ever, so raising funds is important this year to enable us to maintain our grant programme. Although this year’s event will be different, we are confident it will be as enjoyable and rewarding as in previous years.”

The money raised by Ride+Stride will be shared between GHCT and local churches. You can take part as an individual or in a suitably social distanced group – as part of your local church or even with friends from work. In this unusual year we have taken steps to make it as easy as possible to take part by simplifying our processes and materials and participants and local organisers can find all the information they need for Ride+Stride on the GHCT website.

In 2019, a record figure of £51,000 was raised to support local churches, and we know that for many the pandemic has meant reduced opportunities to fundraise, so supporting Ride+Stride is more important than ever. Remember, whether or not someone actually takes part, they can still support us by donating via our JustGiving page.