Orwell Challenge in aid of St Mary's Woodbridge

Aim

St Mary's Church in Woodbridge is fundraising to preserve the beautiful church building for the future, and retain this 'living heritage'

St Mary's Church in Woodbridge is already fundraising for a replacement eco heating system after its gas boilers failed in November 2024, and has recently run a successful prize draw through Crowdfunder.

Whilst this fundraising is still ongoing, there is also a need to rebuild the 'fabric fund' which is the monies raised for necessary works on the beautiful church building. Extensive work has recently been carried out on the tower, as part of necessary repairs and maintenance, and this work has drained the remaining funds.

Why?

The upkeep and maintenance of a large church is an ongoing process, at a not insignificant cost, and we do not receive any funding from the Church of England. All fundraising is therefore the responsibility of the parish.

Who?

John Davis is a civil / structural engineer now working part time, who has worshipped at St Mary's, Woodbridge since the 1980s. He has always enjoyed walking, especially hill walking when he can find some hills, but he has not done a 19-mile walk for more years than he cares to remember, so it will be a real challenge. If anyone wishes to contribute to the St Mary's fabric fund to help maintain our beautiful church, he would be grateful.

Our Parish Administrator, Linda Rumbold, has recently embarked upon a new health and fitness plan, and as part of her personal progress and development is looking to increase the amount of walking she does on a daily basis. She already walks to work at the church, rarely uses her car during the week, and enjoys longer walks at weekends. She has always had an interest in church buildings, visiting churches wherever she travels, and since working in the Parish Office at St Mary's, has grown her appreciation of the truly outstanding beauty of the church here.

Heritage

As a 'Friend of St Mary's' and volunteering on the Friends' committee, as well as through her day to day work in the office, and from being at the forefront of the recent prize draw fundraising (which raised over £22,000), she is passionate about preserving the heritage and fabric of the church for the future. When a friend asked if she was interested in joining in with the Orwell Challenge - a walk of up to 25 miles(!) on Sunday 28th June 2026 - she took a huge gulp...and registered (telling someone else straight away so that she couldn't back out)!

It seemed an obvious next step to organise fundraising for St Mary's, Woodbridge.

(Photo credit for image with crocus: Mike Whitby)

Funding method

Keep what you raise – this project will receive all pledges made by 12th July 2026 at 11:59pm