With their flint stone towers steeped in centuries of history, our churches are just as much part of the rural Kentish idyll as hop bines, cherry blossom and a tankard of Spitfire on a warm summer’s evening. Church-goers or not, we all enjoy the beauty of these buildings. However, despite standing for the best part of a millennium, they will not continue to do so without ongoing maintenance and the associated costs that this brings.

The Friends of Kent Churches is an ecumenical charity dedicated to the preservation of churches of architectural merit or historic importance. Its main fund raising event is the annual sponsored cycle ride. 50% of sponsorship money raised goes to the church chosen by the participant, with the other 50% going to the Friends who distribute around £125,000 per year in grants.

Every year my children and I participate to raise funds for our local church St.Peter and St.Paul, Newnham where I am churchwarden. This year Newnham is seeking a grant from the Friends to assist in the funding of substantial and necessary masonry repairs. Thank-you for your support  which will help to preserve our ecclesiastical heritage.

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving – they’ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they’ll send your money directly to the Friends charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer.