Garstang is the best place I have ever lived. We are blessed with so many things: a great community; fantastic events; and of course, the finest local parish church in the UK.

Our church is a focal point for the wider community. It is a sanctuary for all, from major life events, to Christmas celebrations and Acts of Remembrance, to Baby Loss services or events promoting awareness of issues surrounding Domestic Abuse.

Churches run 100% based on the goodness of the community. Recently, our heating system has struggled to keep up with the demands of our community, especially during the cold winter months. Last winter, some people had no choice but to stay away from church due to the freezing temperatures inside the building. The elderly, in particular, found it difficult to bear the cold, with some even experiencing blue fingers during communion services, which was heartbreaking to see.

Garstang cares for its community. We are people who want to build on our strong sense of community. I want to be part of that.

So on top of asking our congregations to pledge money towards our Heating Project, and on top of organising Community Fundraising Events, I have decided to run my first ever (and only ever?) marathon.

I'll do our traditional 10:30am service in the morning of 22nd October. Then I'll do the marathon, starting at Garstang St Thomas' (12:15), then Garstang Friends Meeting House (12:26), Bilsborrow St Hilda's (12:50), The Parish Church of St Michael's on Wyre (13:22), Churchtown St Helen's (13:39), Garstang St Thomas Primary (13:55), Cockerham St Michael's (14:39), Scorton St Peter's (15:19), Garstang URC (15:41), Garstang Free Methodist (15:43), Garstang St Mary and St Michael's (15:48), Garstang Methodist (15:49), finishing up at Garstang St Thomas' (15:50) in time to do our contemporary 4:30pm service.

Together, we can do it! Thank you for your donation.