One of our Ripon area priests is going to be walking some 160 miles to raise money for his churchyard and support his local fell rescue group.
This spring the Revd Darryl Hall, Vicar of the United Parish of Upper Nidderdale, is looking to walk both the Rob Roy Way and the Great Glen Way, in the highlands of Scotland, a total of approximately 157 miles.
Along with his wife Sharon, and friends Richard and Helen, Revd Darryl will be doing this walk to raise money for much-needed works in the Wayside Cemetery, which belongs to the church of St Mary’s Greenhow.
Revd Darryl said: “We walked the West Highland Way last year (96 miles from Milngavie to Fort William).
“It was a terrific holiday and we had a great sense of achievement from having walked such a great distance.
“I think we got as much from meeting other people walking the same trail as we did from the glorious scenery.
“Walking really is food for the soul, great for body, mind and spirit.
“Richard organises our parish walking group, 'Walking in Faith,' and our annual parish pilgrimages, such as the St Cuthbert's Way (Melrose to Lindisfarne) and last year we walked The Yorkshire Heritage Way from Bradford Cathedral to Ripon Cathedral.
“Whilst planning our holiday, St Mary's church, Greenhow, the highest altitude church in Yorkshire, was informed that the Wayside Cemetery (which belongs to the church) is in desperate need of works totalling £4000.
“As part of our mission action plan, we are committed to making our churches and churchyards fit for purpose as a spiritual and community resource.
“Churchyards exist for the benefit of all.
“They are beautiful and sacred places which are clearly important to the local community and to those who have loved ones buried in them.
“They are quiet and peaceful spaces where people can pay their respects and spend time in prayer.
“I think everyone has a responsibility to keep them in good condition.
“At the same time, our love for walking has made us acutely aware of those who look after walkers who find themselves in times of difficulty.
“Just beyond Greenhow, in Grassington, are the headquarters for the Wharfedale Fell Rescue.
“We would like to share whatever we manage to raise between these two community resources that we value greatly.”
To find out more and to support Revd Darryl, Sharon, Richard and Helen, please click here.