A local man has completed a 43-mile walk from Melksham to Salisbury, raising funds for the restoration of churches, including St Michael’s Church in Melksham.
David Howell, a parishioner of St Michael’s in Canon Square, completed the hike over three days to support the National Churches Trust, Historic Churches Trust and St Michael’s Church.
He said, “Over three days I journeyed from Melksham to Salisbury, the last parts of Storm Benjamin adding a few challenges. The reward was beautiful sunrises, rainbows and wonderful clean air, which was worth it. Over the last day, the spire of Salisbury Cathedral beckoned, first from afar and then through the streets of Salisbury.
“To spend the days living at nature’s pace; by the rising and setting sun, by the changing weather, on foot at 2 mph, is a great way to gain rest and perspective in our busy world.”
So far, David has raised £576, and he will be donating one-third of this to St Michael’s Church, which is seeking to invest in the space to make it more open and usable for church worship and community events.
“The other two-thirds of the funds will be donated to the National Churches Trust for their ongoing work to support our church buildings,” said David, who co-owns a hiking tour company that takes clients off the beaten path and into the deepest rural England.
He added, “There is one element of our English story that I am always encouraging visitors to explore, regardless of their faith or views: our local churches.
“In most of our rural communities the church represents 900 years of life: christenings, weddings, feast and saint days, summer fetes, celebrations and funerals. They are simply amazing buildings that represent both a connection to our past and ancestors and our hope for the future. And they need our continued help to last another 900 years.”
David’s fundraising page can be found at https://shorturl.at/i6DjQ
Pictured: David outside Salisbury Cathedral
