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MPs leap of faith raises £600 for local church

Mottram Church towerSTALYBRIDGE and Hyde MP Jonathan Reynolds was one of 30 fund-raisers who abseiled down the clock tower at Mottram Parish Church on Saturday.

Jonathan, who is a regular member of the congregation, was the first to abseil down the side of the 65ft tower at the event.

And he hopes his leap of faith will raise around £600, which will be used by the Church to fund its work in the Longdendale community.

"The view from the top of the church tower is stunning," said Jonathan, following the event. "But when you're preparing to abseil down it, I'm not sure you really get to take it in and fully enjoy it.

"I'd like to say abseiling down the church tower was something that I just - quite literally - took in my stride. But standing at the top and then stepping over is quite nerve-wracking.

"It was a fantastic experience. And I am delighted to have been able to do this for such an important cause.

"Mottram Parish Church does a tremendous amount of work in the community. And I know that the money raised from this event will make a real difference to people in Longdendale."

Vicar of Mottram Parish Church Philip Burrows, who was also among the abseilers, hopes the event will raise around £5000 to support the work of the church.

Rev Burrows said: "It was wonderful to see the church doors open and so many people enjoying themselves.

"People gathered around the bottom, of the tower on deck chairs and travel rugs all morning to cheer everyone on. And it was a real community event.

"In total 30 people abseiled down the church tower. And the funds they raise will see the work of the Church continue here in Mottram."

In addition to regular Sunday and mid-week services and more than 50 weddings, funerals and baptisms each year,  members of the Church also offer support to the two local Church of England schools and maintain links with missionary and charitable organisations, in the UK and overseas.

During the summer the Church hopes to install heating, flooring and lighting in the Magdalene Centre, Broadbottom, so that it can be wholly used by schools and the wider community throughout the year.

Published May 2011