70 mile pedal for Christian Aid - before 11am service! | The Church of Ireland Diocese of Connor

70 mile pedal for Christian Aid – before 11am service!

Monday May 18th 2015

Making a brief stop for a photocall in Carnlough are Joanne Cochrane, the Rev Jonny Campbell-Smyth, Alex McClenaghan, Helen Brown, Alan Nesbitt and Ian Cochrane.

Congratulations to pedal pushers from St Patrick’s Parish Church, Jordanstown, and Whiteabbey Presbyterian who cycled 70 miles before church on May 10!

The riders set off from Jordanstown at dawn on at the start of Christian Aid Week, making their way through Carrick and Larne, along the Antrim coast road to Carnlough before heading inland to Broughshane, on to Doagh and finally back to Jordanstown – in time for the 11am services in their two churches.

The cycle was organised by St Patrick’s parishioner Alex McClenaghan, who said it was all about raising awareness of Christian Aid Week and encouraging people to donate when the Christian Aid envelope comes through their door.

St Patrick’s parishioners Ian Cochrane and Alex McClenaghan in church with their bikes.

She said that the idea behind the dawn start was to “create a bit of empathy with people who have to get up very early every day and do something that’s a struggle – walking miles just to collect firewood or water – just to survive.”

Among the group was the Rev Jonny Campbell-Smyth, who had no option but to make it back to Jordanstown before 11am as he had to get his breath back to take part in the service in St Patrick’s.

“I did get back in time to preach the sermon, ironically on the theme of Perseverance…..” said Jonny.

All funds raised through the cycle are for Christian Aid’s Nepal Earthquake Appeal. Anyone wishing to make a donation can visit the 70 Miles to Church Just Giving page.