Fundraising campaign to save historic High Peak chapel calls on supporters to take virtual 5K challenge

The Methodist Chapel has been at the heart of Fernilee's community for 150 years.

Campaigners working to save a historic village building are encouraging High Peak residents to stretch their legs for a fundraising fitness event next month,

The Fernilee 5K Virtual Run/Walk will be held over the late Bank Holiday weekend, May 27-31, giving participants plenty of time to complete the challenge at their own leisure.

The event is raising funds for the project to convert the Sunday school room at Fernilee Methodist Chapel, on Taxal View, into holiday accommodation, which will then support wider restoration work on the building.

Organiser Teresa Macmillan said: “The pandemic prevents sporting events taking place at the moment but by taking part in a 'virtual event' you can experience the sense of achievement and satisfaction of exercise together and support a good cause.

“You will be rewarded with a certificate, a brick in our Fernilee Chapel Project wall and enormous satisfaction of participating together.”

Participants can choose their own five kilometre route and then cover the distance however they wish.

Each entrant is asked to make a minimum donation of £5 and, in return, will receive a digital brick certificate after the run weekend has ended.

To register, make a donation via www.give.net/fernilee/fundraising and include your name and ‘RUN’ in the submission.

Fernilee residents are marking the chapel’s 150th anniversary this year, and are looking to raise £140,000 altogether to maintain it as a community space.

In 2017, it was discovered that serious building works were required to save the chapel from closure. The campaign has now passed the £100,000 mark, thanks to support from around the world.

Work has already begun to create the holiday rental apartment which will create an income stream to underpin plans to use the building for new walking, cycling, wellbeing and heritage projects.

Anyone who does not feel up to a five kilometre outing can still donate by buying a virtual brick via the link above or [email protected].

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