Ride + Stride 2025 – Final Update and Thank You

We are delighted to share the final figures from this year’s Wiltshire Ride + Stride, and to say a heartfelt thank you to everyone who took part, supported, donated, or encouraged our riders and walkers.

Together, participants from Christ Church and St Mary’s raised a total of £682.20, with £341.10 returning directly to our parish to support the life and work of the church.

A special moment of celebration took place during our Sunday afternoon service on 11th January, when Jacob Smith was formally presented with a Ride + Stride medal in recognition of his outstanding achievement. At just 12 years old, Jacob cycled to an incredible 50 churches and 67 miles in one day, supported by his dad Chris Smith, our Site Operations and Development Manager. It was a joy to recognise their efforts together as a church community.

We also wish to acknowledge Carol Simmons, who walked an extraordinary 23 miles during the event in loving memory of Arline Stovell, whose faithful commitment to Ride + Stride over many years helped shape and sustain this event at Christ Church.

While there were no parish awards this year, these achievements — along with the dedication of everyone who took part — are something to be truly proud of.

Thank you once again to all who donated, volunteered, rode, walked, encouraged, and prayed. Your support continues to help preserve Wiltshire’s historic churches and strengthen our own parish community.

As we give thanks for all that was achieved, we are also looking ahead and beginning to plan for the next Ride + Stride. The next annual event will take place on Saturday 12th September 2026, and we would love even more people to be involved. Further information about Ride + Stride can be found at:
https://www.wiltshirehistoricchurchestrust.org.uk/ride-stride/

With gratitude,
Jennifer Miles