Meet the runners and cyclists taking part in Suffolk Churches Ride and Stride and Pedal and Drive 2024
Cyclists, runners and classic cars will be spotted on the streets of Suffolk this weekend as fund-raisers do their bit for charity.
On Saturday churches in the county will welcome those taking part in the annual Ride and Stride and Pedal and Drive, raising funds for the Suffolk Historic Churches Trust (SHCT).
One of those taking part is volunteer rickshaw rider David Fisher, 70, of Culford, who usually visits 30 churches, cycling on a tandem with his wife Marian.
However on Saturday he will be driving around Sharon Steven, one of his fellow volunteers from Bury St Edmunds Rickshaw and EcoCarriers in Bury.
“Sharon recently had a new hip fitted and so cannot cycle for her local church this year, something she has done for years,” said David.
“She didn’t want to miss out, so we have agreed that I will take her round some of the Bury turn churches on a pedalcab.”
“I also have another friend that cycles for both organisations who is looking to take his grandchildren around some of the churches on one of the rickshaws, so we may end up going in convoy.”
James Seager, 47, of Lawshall, will be taking part on Saturday, alongside his twin sons Bobbie and Jack, aged 12.
Mr Seagar said: “My boys have been wanting to do something for a local charity for sometime now and this event is perfect, we are all keen runners and cyclists.
“I will be running and Bobbie and Jack will be biking.
“The route will take us 42 miles across the Suffolk Countryside and we will visit 21 churches on the way.”
On Ride and Stride day, cyclists and walkers get sponsored on their journey around Suffolk’s churches, choosing their own route.
Those taking part in the Pedal and Drive vintage and classic car rally, are given a route around a selection of churches.
Money raised is given in grants to churches across the county which needed urgent repairs and improvements to chapels, meeting houses and other buildings.
More information about the SHCT and the the fundraiser, which will run from 9am - 5pm, can be found online at: shct.org.uk.
