Holy Nativity has played a major part in the life of Eastfield for more than 50 years and is a growing church with a real sense of family and community.

It has much to look forward to.

But, like myself, unfortunately well into my 50s, HN now needs loving tender care so it can continue to be a focal point for the people of the Eastfield and Osgodby parish and beyond for many generations to come.

The church is hoping to run a refurbishment programme which includes re-decoration of the inside of the building and the installation of a much-needed audio loop induction hearing system.

It is hoped new heating, roof insulation and single glazed windows will also be put in place at some point to keep everybody warm, including the groups that currently use the church including the mums who bring their young ones to Little Lambs and the older kids who love Messy Church.

Diane and I were drawn to Holy Nativity about 18 months ago - it was like coming home. It really is an extension of our family now and the church and its wonderful congregation have been so kind in helping us as individuals and as a couple.

So If I can help bring that day a little closer when work can start on giving the church a new lick of paint, as well as updating its facilities by raising a few quid, what joy that will be.

That’s why I’ll be literally squeezing in to my lycra leggings (not the prettiest of sights, I’m afraid) to bike around North and East Yorkshire early in May, hoping to attract sponsorship so every pedal turn of the 230 miles will have a real meaning.

It will be the first time since I was a teenager that I’ve ridden a bike, so the task ahead of me of cycling around a big chunk of our great county is, believe me, a daunting one.

I’ll be joining up with a group of cyclists from St Marks, Newby as we aim to ride to the six other St Mark's in the Diocese of York. The ride will be spread over four days, starting on the Sunday of the first Bank Holiday weekend in May, May 6.

If you can help with a donation then may I, on behalf of Holy Nativity, thank you from the bottom of my heart for doing so. I believe the benefit from your gift will be felt for years to come.

As the ride completes just a few days before the start of Christian Aid week, I will be donating 10% to help that great charity fight the curse of poverty wherever it presents itself in our world.

I decided to use JustGiving as it is simple, fast and secure and has a tried and tested record of helping thousands of good causes throughout the world. Whatever is donated will be given to Holy Nativity Church. As the church has charitable status, they then will be able to claim Gift Aid from the government on the donations.

Thank you so, so much and God bless you for your donation.

Mike