Abbey-The Runners' Bell

On Saturday morning, 2nd February, Al, Jonny and Phil Ladd will be warming up for an afternoon marathon run by ringing a full peal lasting about three hours on the bells of St Saviour's, Greyabbey in County Down. That's about seven or eight hours of running and ringing! They'd love your support. Four years ago, they sadly lost their mum Catherine to breast cancer. 'Abbey' is a celebration of two of her favourite activities: bell-ringing and running.Taking her name from Abbey Runners, Catherine's running club in Leeds,  'Abbey' will be one of the 10 new bells at St George's Anglican Church, Vernet-les-Bains, in Southern France. Catherine loved helping others and worked as a careers adviser in and around Mirfield, West Yorkshire, so we decided that half the funds raised by 'Abbey' will be donated to the Hollybank Trust. Based in Mirfield, the Trust offers education, activities and accommodation to around 100 adults and young people with special needs. 'Abbey' has the full support of Abbey Runners; you can help them by  a one-off gift, by organising and sponsoring a running and/or ringing event, or maybe by just donating a quid or two every time you do your weekly run, beat that PB or ring a quarter or a peal. Whatever you do, enjoy it, please tell us about it and don't forget to mention if you're an Abbey Runner! All the events and donations will be recorded on the ringing-room wall, inside the church at St George's. 'Abbey' was cast by John Taylor & Co of Loughborough on Thursday 13th December and all ten bells will be installed in time for Easter next year.