St John's church is in Crawley's town centre and has a registered charity (no. 1175626) it is part of Church Crawley (one church three buildings). I’ve been involved in Churches before but none quite like this one. They are such a welcoming community, no matter your age or background. It’s the little things like after meeting’s, people unable to drive where given a lift home. The dropping of chocolates to the doors of people who were unable to attend. How every person is included and treated equally. No person left behind.

They support the wider community with love, humility and kindness as well as providing spiritual guidance and prayer. One example of this is The Bridge Café. On Wednesday's and Thursday's, clients meet with their probation officer for their supervision appointments. The church volunteers are there to offer a friendly welcome, encouragement and support. They play an important role in hosting supporting agencies, signposting to other relevant services, with the idea that whatever someone’s past? There is a future 

St John's is proud to lead Love Your Neighbour Crawley on behalf of Churches Together and 100's of amazing volunteers. This was started during COVID, supporting people in the community to get essentials, helping those who were isolated and vulnerable and providing crisis support. Now they partner with Easter Team food bank and many other community groups to help those in need. They have a lovely little Hub, a warm and safe space, a warm welcome, cup of coffee and company. Through the town centre Hub, they are signposting local people in need to all kinds of help, support and charities around Crawley as well as supporting refugees and vulnerable migrants. 

I was particularly touched by their Love Christmas appeal. This entailed planning to pack and deliver 1500 bags of kindness to families and individuals across Crawley. Love Your Neighbour Crawley is entirely funded by grants and donations and fundraising from within the community. 

This is more than just a church, or maybe its just a church doing more than I've seen before. Either way they are touching the lives of people throughout Crawley, and I would love to help them to continue to make a difference any way I can. 

A marathon is probably my hardest fitness challenge to date, but I was never one to shy from a challenge. Will you help me support this great cause? 

Donating through JustGiving is simple, fast and totally secure Once you donate, they'll send your money directly to the charity.