TWO pensioners have been hailed as “an inspiration” after they turned to pedal power to raise thousands to help restore Perth Cathedral to its former glory.
Jennifer Irving and Ann Yates took to their bicycles for an epic journey from Land’s End to John O’ Groats, covering 1,107-miles across 41 gruelling days.
Along the way the two 70-year-olds were hoping to raise “a few thousands, rather than a few hundred pounds”, but latest donations have taken the total above £17,000 and cash is still coming in, helping the cathedral reach its first milestone target of £750,000.
This means that work to repair the roof and the leaking rainwater drainage can start early next year when the first phase of the restoration gets underway.
Provost of the Cathedral, the Very Reverend Hunter Farquharson, said the two septuagenarians’ efforts had helped galvanise the rest of the fundraising effort.
The Provost said: “When the idea of a couple of women in their 70s cycling from one end of the country to the other was first raised, I must admit it seemed unlikely, but they have amazed us all.
“What is intriguing is that she (Jennifer) can’t believe how much her efforts have impressed so many people.
“Jennifer has caught the imagination, not only of the congregation of Perth Cathedral, but of people up and down the country.
“She is a quiet, prayerful person who seems to have the wonderful ability to gently inspire us all. I thank God for her and what she’s done for the Cathedral.”
The Cathedral Church of St Ninian is the “mother church” for congregations across the Scottish Episcopalian Diocese of St Andrews, Dunkeld and Dunblane.
It sits at the centre of an area of Perth which the local council hopes to redevelop to drive up tourist visitors to the “Gateway to the Highlands”.
Since Ms Irving and Ms Yates first set off on their mammoth cycle in May, donations have been coming in from churches on their route through England and Scotland, and Perth Cathedral has seen an increase in visitor numbers.
The Cathedral has a memorial window to the Black Watch regiment, which has drawn additional visitors coming to the area to see the Weeping Windows Poppies sculpture at the Black Watch Museum.
Urgent work is needed to restore the fabric of the 19th-century A-listed building, after a major survey revealed the full extent the repairs needed last year.
Despite the help of the Heritage Lottery Fund, Historic Environment Scotland and a number of trusts, the congregation was faced with raising £140,000 for the urgent roof and drainage repairs alone, and the final bill is expected to be £3 million.
Ms Irving said: “I’ve been overwhelmed by everyone’s interest, generosity and support, not only from the Cathedral congregation, but from the people of Perth and organisations like Perth U3A, the North Church, the Giraffe Enterprise Company and Café Coco, all of which took sponsorship forms and collected money on my behalf.
“I’m also very grateful to family and friends and to the many people we met or stayed with on our journey, for their kindness and support.”
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