Commercial sponsors of the Bishop of Derby’s charity bike ride in September this year will be thanked at a lunch at the Bishop’s House on June 6th.

The Rt Rev’d Dr Alastair Redfern, and his wife Caroline, will be taking part in an annual sponsored bike ride to raise money for the Derbyshire Churches & Chapels Preservation Trust, an event which attracts hundreds of cyclists every year to raise money for the development and maintenance of Derbyshire’s church buildings.

Many sponsors from commercial businesses have pledged equipment, money or other support to back the bishop. They will have the opportunity to learn more about the fundraising from speakers at the lunch.

Sponsors include local and national brand names such as the Derbyshire Building Society, Samways cycle store, Moore Large bike distributor, BHS, Woolworths, Westfield Shopping Centres, Plantscape, the Coop Midlands, Pennine Healthcare, National Windscreens, Origination design, print and advertising, Sally Montague Hair Group, Tax Management for Clergy, Aston Martin, and Nissan.

Bishop Alastair said: “Already I have been greatly encouraged by the number of businesses and other organizations willing to support us in this important event and their various contributions will make a big difference to the fundraising overall. Funds are needed to help develop our churches for better use in our communities and there is a great deal of potential in what churches can offer to local community groups of all kinds. Often it is down to congregations to fund development out of their own pockets, as well as maintain these ancient buildings, which in many cases are magnificent examples of architecture. This charity helps to ease that burden preserving and cultivating these sacred, holy and very useful spaces for generations to come.”

Bishop Alastair and Caroline are currently in training, working up their fitness levels and rallying support for the event.

More details about the Bishop ’s bike ride >>

ENDS