AN Alresford churchman has helped raise £6,000 for charity by cycling with friends from Somerset to Hampshire.
Rev Graham Bowkett, Rector of the Upper Itchen Benefice, rode 106 miles with only one puncture in the whole group.
They raised the funds for a charity, Walking with the Wounded, that helps wounded servicemen and women and also the Winchester Cathedral appeal.
The group started in Wells and after a stopover in Salisbury pedalled into Winchester to be greeted by the Rt Rev Tim Dakin, Bishop of Winchester.
Graham, 47, a former soldier in the Royal Hampshire Regiment and two years ago the father of two skydived to raise money for military charities.
He said of the latest trip: “It went extremely well. We were very lucky, we only had one puncture and it didn’t rain at all.”
He praised the generosity of the local people: “The positivity and generosity of the people in the benefice has been amazing. It has been a really good way of involving all people not just people who come to church.”
The bishop said: “This is a great cause and it’s wonderful that the clergy and members of the diocese are so dedicated in their support. Graham and the group are not only benefitting the charity but also illustrating the bonds that exist between the Dioceses of Bath and Wells, Salisbury and Winchester.”
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here