FOUR months after launching a fundraising appeal for repairs to a historic village church, fundraisers are just £4,000 short of their target.
St Mary’s Church, in Hutton Magna, was built in 1878 and features elements of an earlier structure that dates to 13th century.
A leaky roof, lime pointing erosion and cast-iron guttering that has come to the end of its life have been causing water damage to the interior.
A grant by the Sir John Priestman Trust enabled the building to be professionally assessed and a plan for repairs put together.
In December church officers launched an appeal to help raise £40,000 needed to carry out the work.
A grant application was also made to the National Heritage Lottery Fund.
Church treasurer Dave Bottoms, who was diagnosed with thyroid cancer four years ago and has been undergoing treatment, utilised his latest round of chemotherapy to gain sponsorship and bolster the repair fund. Initially hoping to raise £1,000, Mr Bottoms’ appeal pulled in a staggering £8,000.
He said: “We are doing well, but we are still £4,000 short of our target.
“Grateful thanks to the Allchurches Trust and the Sir John Priestman Trust for significant supportive grant funding.”
Now he has launched an online raffle with the top prize of an overnight stay for two at Headlam Hall Hotel with dinner, bed and breakfast.
Mr Bottoms said: “We have launched the raffle to help close the gap.
“Headlam have very generously donated three great prizes.”
Just text HEADLAM to 70191 to buy a £10 ticket for your chance to win.
Mobile numbers will automatically be recorded and will be put in the mix when it is drawn at noon on Thursday, March 31.
