<p>Marcus is cycling for Jesus. Actually he's cycling to mostly shut his wife and mother-in-law up, but it amuses us more to say he's cycling for Jesus.</p> <p>He's actually taking part in the Hampshire Historic Churches Trust's Ride and Stride event on Saturday 10th September to raise money for our village church, St Leonard's in Sherfield English. St Leonard's is currently without a vicar since our last incumbent retired on medical grounds in February. As a small village church we struggle to meet the costs needed to stay open and serve the needs of the village. Events like this help us to raise much needed funds.</p> <p>The idea of the Ride and Stride event is for cyclists or walkers (Marcus will be cycling) to get round as many churches in the vicinity as possible between the hours of 10am and 6pm, signing in to each church they visit. Marcus is aiming for between 15 and 20 churches (although his disclaimers vary from bad weather to bad temperament depending on his mood!). As the area he's doing is very rural the churches are a long way apart and he will certainly be earning his sponsorship.</p> <p>The money raised will be divided between St Leonard's Church, and between Hampshire and The Islands Historic Churches Trust, which provides grants to rural churches such as St Leonard's when major repairs or updating are necessary. More information is available at <a href="http://www.hihct.org.uk">www.hihct.org.uk</a>.</p> <p>Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure. Your details are safe with JustGiving &ndash; they&rsquo;ll never sell them on or send unwanted emails. Once you donate, they&rsquo;ll send your money directly to the charity and make sure Gift Aid is reclaimed on every eligible donation by a UK taxpayer. So it&rsquo;s the most efficient way to donate -&nbsp;Marcus will&nbsp;raise more, whilst saving time and cutting costs for the charity.</p> <p>So please dig deep and donate now.</p>