Dedham and Ardleigh’s Rev Antony Wilson is set to climb 3407 metres - the height of Britain’s Three Peaks – at home to raise money for international charity, Christian Aid.
The well-known challenge, which sees participants climbing Snowdon, Ben Nevis and Scafell Pike in 24 hours is not possible during the Covid-19 lockdown, so Antony, vicar at St Mary’s Church, Dedham, decided to tackle it at home in Dedham.
He is hoping his neighbours and parishioners will help him in his quest during Christian Aid Week (10-16 May), as he estimates he’ll have to climb his stairs 1362 times – a lot for one person!
Antony, a former chaplain in the British Army, said: “Every year, the people of Dedham and Ardleigh come together with bake sales, sponsored runs and other fun events to raise money for Christian Aid Week, but this year, we can’t get together.
“I thought this was a creative and fun way to raise some funds, while also keeping in line with the Government’s guidelines on exercise.
“The work of Christian Aid is just so important, especially now, when people in poorer countries are a lot less equipped to cope with coronavirus than we are in the UK.
“I’ve invited my friends and neighbours to join me in my quest, as it is a bit much to try and do it alone, will my legs cope? But I’ll give it a go!”
Christian Aid’s Melanie Hargreaves, of Colchester, said: “In times of crisis the poorest, most vulnerable and marginalised are at the greatest risk. We are seeing fantastic examples of coronavirus bringing people together, of neighbours across Essex helping those who are vulnerable.
“Coronavirus impacts everyone, but love unites us all and Antony’s Three Peak Challenge gives us a chance to help our global neighbours.
“Christian Aid Week cannot be a community celebration in the usual sense, where people come together for sales and Big Brekkies and special services and such like. But Antony shows us how community can still thrive in different ways.
“Christian Aid is currently responding to the crisis in 13 countries around the world for example in Myanmar where our local partners have distributed soap to over 30,000 people and distributed 2,000 surgical masks
“Please support Antony if you can so we can help more vulnerable people protect themselves.”
You can support Antony by donating online at www.caweek.org
To find out other ideas about how to celebrate Christian Aid Week digitally - including a 300,000 steps in May challenge - visit caweek.org/virtualresources
