Bishop’s walk boost for homeless centre
Bishop's Walk. The Duke of Devonshire was on hand to greet the Roman Catholic Bishop of Hallam Bishop John Rawsthorne and Kevin Bradley of the St Wilfred's Centre,Queens Road as they took part in the Bishop's Walk part of which went through the Chatsworth Estate . The Bishop and Kevin Bradley lead the party through the estate.
THE Roman Catholic Bishop of Hallam led the way on what could be his last annual walk in aid of St Wilfrid’s Centre in Queens Road, which works with homeless and other vulnerable people.
The Rt Rev John Rawsthorne, aged 75, who is waiting for a retirement date, was among 21 walkers who took a 15-mile circular route in the Peak District, from Calver that called at Chatsworth, Rowsley and the Monsal Trail.
Others on the Bishop’s Walk last Friday included St Wilfrid’s clients and staff, headteachers, police and volunteers.
“It was brilliant,” said centre director Kevin Bradley, who organised the walk. “It was a great day and everything went well.
“The Duke of Devonshire came out to see us and promised to support St Wilfrid’s.
“Afterwards I bought everybody a pint in the Bridge Inn in Calver, which was well received.”
London-based charity patron Simrin Choudhrie, who has supported the centre since visiting for Channel 4 TV’s The Secret Millionaire, had to pull out at the last minute to fly to Delhi.
It is hoped the walk will raise more than £100,000 towards £1.8m for a residential centre, with 50 bedrooms, on the doorstep of St Wilfrid’s. An appeal launch is being planned for next month, although word is already spreading that donations are needed.
As for the Bishop, who is preparing for retirement in Liverpool, Kevin said: “He was like a mountain goat! He was very good company.”
Bishop John said: “The message we really want to get across to everyone who sponsored us is that we finished it – so they’ll have to pay up!”
Email to a friend
Print this page
Looking for...
Featured advertisers
Jobs
Search for a job
Motors
Search for a car
Property
Search for a house
Weather for Sheffield
Thursday 23 May 2013
Today
Light showers
Temperature: 3 C to 8 C
Wind Speed: 17 mph
Wind direction: North west
Tomorrow
Light showers
Temperature: 4 C to 9 C
Wind Speed: 24 mph
Wind direction: North east
