Cyril’s 25-county motorbike marathon

A 75-year-old Stone man is to complete a 2,000-mile motorbike marathon to raise money towards a new community hall at St John’s Church.

Cyril Unsworth is driving to 25 different St John’s churches in 25 different counties – and is asking sponsors to donate £25 towards the cause. He’s hoping to reach 1o0 sponsors, meaning a grand fundraising target of £2,500.

So far Cyril has clocked up six counties – Staffordshire (the St John’s in Stone, obviously!), Cheshire, Shropshire, Derbyshire, Northamptonshire and Leicestershire. There are plenty of more to come over the next few months!

Cyril’s aim is to swell the fundraising coffers for a new church hall.

The current wooden community building at St John’ Church in Granville Terrace had been in use for more than half a century but it’s been closed for the last six months because of problems in the roof.

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The church has decided to demolish the existing hall and build a new, modern facility in its place.

Cyril said: “The present building has been a wonderful asset to the Stone community. It’s been used by Guides, Brownies, Mums & Toddler groups, Stone Male Voice Choir, art groups, for elections, community meetings and social functions.

“We really don’t want to lose the facility for the community so the church has decided to completely rebuild and I hope my fundraising efforts can raise money towards the cause.

“I’ve had lots of donations and, so far, 44 people have sponsored me for £25. Stone folk really are generous and I hope I can reach 100 sponsors.”

All the very best to Cyril – what a great effort! To sponsor Cyril, call him on 01785 616527 or, alternatively, call Peter Davies on 01785 616204 or Celia Stewart on 01785 814813. The church is also on Facebook here.