Priest begins charity cycle ride

The previous priest at St Michael's raised money for roof repairs

A priest and his assistant have begun a 1,000-mile cycle ride to raise money for their north London church.

Father Philip North and Pastoral Assistant Peter Garvie will visit 29 cathedrals across England, including Southwark and St Paul's, in two weeks.

They aim to raise £30,000 for a new glass entrance porch and cafe area at St Michael's Church in Camden.

Two years ago, the priest at the time spent two weeks sleeping on the church roof to raise money for restoration.

Father Malcolm Hunter's efforts, along with a grant from English Heritage, raised enough money to pay for the replacement of the roof, repairs to the windows and the provision of a parish room at a cost of £750,000.

This time Father North hopes he can make a significant contribution to Phase II of the restoration project.

"I cycle daily so thought that I could raise money for phase II of the restoration project by doing a Cathedral Cycle Ride," he said. "I am really looking forward to the challenge".

The pair will cycle up to 70 miles-a-day and rely on the hospitality of parishioners in each city to put them up in the evening to keep costs to a minimum, ensuring vital funds go to the church instead.