A group of five archdiocesan employees recently embarked upon a sponsored walk from the Metropolitan Cathedral to the church of St Oswald’s and St Edmund Arrowsmith in Ashton-in-Makerfield.

 

The walk was to raise funds for former archdiocesan employee John Smith, who suffered life-changing injuries after an accident at home in 2020. John has spent the last three years between hospital and care facilities and is now set to move back home this year. His home is now undergoing work to facilitate his needs. In total, the walk was just over 17 miles, taking just over five-and-a-half hours to complete, excluding breaks.

 

The team consisted of; Head of Finance John McMahon, Accountant Michael Helbert, Finance Office Manager Sharne Kelso, IT Coordinator James Bainbridge, and Communications Assistant Steven Hughes. They set off just past 8am from the bottom of the Cathedral steps. Just past 11am, the team reached St Aidan’s Parish Centre.

 

Whilst there, Jackie, who is the manager of the parish centre, put on a tray of biscuits and refreshments, as everyone enjoyed a short 20 minute break. The group continued into St Helens, to Holy Cross parish centre, where Janet a volunteer at the parish, had opened the Parish Hall and took the group in. Whilst there, plenty of food was on offer, with sausage rolls, pastries, and other snacks, before the final leg of the journey to Ashton-in-Makerfield began.

 

Director of Finance Jill Boggan was also on hand at both parish centres, providing moral support and bringing food of her own.

 

Steven Hughes commented: “We would like to thank both parish centres for their hospitality, and for allowing the team some much-needed rest!” Having set off just past 8am, the team arrived at St Oswald and St Edmund Arrowsmith at just past 3:30pm.

 

After a brief sit down, Fr John Gorman gave everyone a church tour, including a viewing of the Holy Hand. Steven continued, “It was a nice end to what had been a very full day.” You can still donate to the cause here: archdioceseofliverpool.churchsuite.com/donate/fund/accoxvbp

 

 

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