Ride + Stride a roaring success!

THIS WEEKEND SAW THE 31st ANNUAL RIDE + STRIDE take place nationwide, and cyclists and walkers were out in force on the streets and roads across the Diocese.

Dozens of walkers, cyclists and horse riders turned out for the event, to raise thousands of pounds for repairs and restoration to the churches and chapels of Surrey, with half the money raised going to the church or chapel of the sponsored rider's or strider's choice.

Chris Jany, from St Martin’s, East Horsley, was one of the people who took advantage of the sunny weather last weekend to hop on his bike and raise money for Surrey Church Preservation Trust.

Chris said: “Each year a few of us from St Martin’s, East Horsley attempt to visit the 28 churches in the Leatherhead area.

“This year was no exception and with the beautiful weather we spent an undue amount of time chatting, hearing the history and climbing belfries. It was a great day.”

Sarah McKay, Leatherhead organiser for Surrey Churches Preservation Trust, took part with a group from St Mary's, Leatherhead, and also got round all 28 churches in the Leatherhead area.

"Saturday was a great day, beautiful sunshine and lots of open churches. I think we had 16 cyclists from St Mary's, with another couple of families hoping to do a similar excursion the following day, after getting last minute tickets for the Paralympics.

"One old boy from Horsley, in his 80s, even caught the bus up to Leatherhead or Fetcham, and then walked all the way home to Horsley, taking in all the churches en route!"

Surrey Church Preservation Trust hopes to raise £20,000 from this year’s Ride + Stride.

Did you participate in Ride + Stride on the weekend? Share your photos and stories with us at editorial@cofeguilford.org.uk