Griff Rhys Jones and his car take part in Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride and Pedal and Drive 2024
Comedian Griff Rhys Jones was among hundreds of people raising funds for Suffolk’s historic churches last weekend.
On Saturday, cyclists, vintage and classic cars, runners and walkers, all took to the roads, as part of Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride and Pedal and Drive 2024.
The Pedal and Drive element of the event ended in Lavenham, where Rhys Jones, who had taken part with his car, presented the prizes.
Among those completing the charity challenge was James Seager, 47, of Lawshall, alongside his twin sons Bobbie and Jack, aged 12.
James who ran, and his sons who cycled, made their way around 19 of the county’s churches.
Speaking afterwards, James said: “We had a brilliant day making so many memories, the boys did amazingly.”
David Fisher, 70, and wife Marian cycled for St Mary’s Church, in Culford.
The couple have taken part in Ride and Stride since 1989, usually on a tandem.
This year David, of Culford, started his day by driving Sharon Steven and Jill Harper on Pedro the EcoCarriers Pedalcab, from St Peter’s Church, in Bury St Edmunds.
Sharon, who has been involved in Ride and Stride since it started in the early 1980s, had recently had a hip operation.
Pedro, his driver, and passengers, visited 13 churches around Bury St Edmunds, travelling in tandem with Phil Sedon and his grandsons Alfred and Joshua Fraser on Ricky, the original Bury Rickshaw.
After his trip in the EcoCarrier David, returned to Culford cycling with Marian and visiting more churches on the way.
Simon Ronan, the chairman of Suffolk Churches Ride an Stride, said: “Thank you to everyone who got involved, and to the volunteers who sat in churches, chapels and meeting houses welcoming participants and providing refreshments.
“Thank you also to all the sponsors. Next year the events will be held on Saturday, September 13 and all are welcome to take part.”
The numbers of cyclists and walkers who took part will only be known later in the year, when all the donations or sponsorship are handed in.
Half the money raised will go to the church nominated by the participant, and the rest the trust gives in grants towards restoring historic churches, or providing facilities.
