Plucky fundraisers are taking a leap of faith for a local charity by abseiling 90 feet down Coventry Cathedral next month. The 12 daring volunteers will be among those descending from the top of the cathedral on August 1, all in aid of Feed The Hungry UK and Coventry Foodbank.
Founded in 2011, Coventry Foodbank has grown from a small community initiative into a vital service supporting thousands of local people each year. Over the past 15 years, the organisation has worked in partnership with local churches, schools, businesses, and referral agencies to provide emergency food parcels and compassionate support to those in crisis.
Feed The Hungry UK is an international Christian humanitarian organisation committed to fighting hunger due to poverty, war, famine and natural disasters. Foodbank Founder Canon Gavin Kibble MBE said: “Last year I stood at the top of Coventry Cathedral and wondered what on earth I'd signed up for — and then I stepped off the edge. That terrifying moment of taking a leap of faith raised vital funds for Feed the Hungry, and I wouldn't change a thing. If you've ever wanted to do something that genuinely takes your breath away while making a real difference, this is it.”
Those taking part in the abseil must be at least 16 years of age and weigh less than 19 stone, and commit to raising a minimum £200 for the charity through sponsorship.
As well as the abseil, Coventry Foodbank will have an activity tent set up in the Old Cathedral grounds. Coventry Cathedral is most famously known for being bombed during World War II, which left it, and much of the city centre, in ruins. Its destruction touched the hearts of many countries around the world, who contributed and gifted elements of the building of the New Cathedral. The decision to leave the ruins as they were after the Blitz became a powerful global symbol of peace building and forgiving enemies. Standing in union with the New Cathedral, the two cathedrals stand as a powerful symbol of peace across nations.
The day will include free entry to the Blitz Museum, Coventry Cathedral and Ruins, plus stalls, visiting choirs and children’s activities. For those who wish to learn more about the charity, Coventry Foodbank will also have an activity tent set up in the Old Cathedral Grounds between 9:30am and 4:30pm on the day.
To register an interest in the abseil, visit the online form. Location: Coventry City Council.
