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Churchwarden Paul Stokes is running the Matlock half marathon on 18 May aiming to raise £1000 towards a toilet and servery for his church in Carlby.
St Stephen’s is a vibrant village church which host children’s activities and community events alongside regular services in it’s grade 1 listed building, but these events have had to be limited in the past due to the lack of modern facilities within the building. Not only does the church not have a toilet, but it also does not currently have a water supply, which means that water has to be carried in for any refreshments, or handwashing for activities.
The PCC has worked tirelessly over the last few years gaining the necessary permissions to install the water supply and toilet, and are now at the final hurdle of waiting for planning permission and fundraising. The project has been nicknamed ‘The Waterloo Project’ as it aims to provide water, and a loo for the church.
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Paul, who has worshipped at St Stephen’s for more than 10 years, and has been churchwarden for 6 years, is keen to do all he can to support the fundraising and is kicking off the campaign by running the Matlock half marathon in May. ‘I believe that part of our Christian faith is showing others how Jesus works in our lives, and being a friendly and welcoming church is part of that. I hope to raise funds, and a few smiles, whilst running in my ‘Waterloo Project’ t-shirt, with the aim of providing hospitality and facilities for our future services and events’.
The work will cost a total of £75 000 to complete, and whilst grants will be applied for, it will take a variety of efforts to raise all the funds needed. If you are able to sponsor Paul and contribute to the target, please visit his JustGiving page.