A BRADFORD church is celebrating its 133rd anniversary and two of its members will be running 133 miles in six days to raise funds for a £2.4 new building project.

Sunbridge Road Mission Church, just off Manningham Lane, will turn 133 on Sunday, June 26, and in the lead up to the day, Mike Farrell and James Oxford, both of Apperley Bridge, will run 133 miles across six days starting on Monday, June 20.

Running an average of 22 miles per day, the two men are raising funds for Sunbridge Road Mission, a church desperately in need of a new building.

Mike was inspired by the fundraising idea soon after joining the church about a year ago.

Mike said: "God and the church have had a huge, positive impact on my life and I see this challenge as a way to give back to them.

Bradford Telegraph and Argus:

"Our current church building is in need of a lot of repair and isn't fit for purpose, so I want to help the community in ensuring there is a place for the future generations to be cared for by the church."

Mike said Sunbridge Road Mission is in one of the most deprived areas of Bradford and is active in the community supporting refugees and asylum seekers, running English classes, community groups, children's groups and distributing food and aid to the homeless in the city.

Mike said: "With a thriving family community they want to ensure their outreach work can continue for another 133 years, which this new building will facilitate.

The church have already purchased a piece of land opposite their current site and raised £8,900 towards their £2.4 million target.

"It's really exciting and we're building momentum," said Mike. "Our numbers as a church grow every week."

Mike and James are hoping to raise £10,000 from their extreme running challenge.

Mike, who is a runner, said: "It's a huge undertaking but all for a good cause.

They will run on the canal between Rodley and Riddlesden every day, the week beginning June 20.

They have planned the route so that people in their church family can join them.

The week will culminate on Saturday, June 26, at Hirst Wood, where James and Mike will join their church family in running 20 laps around the cricket pitch near Higher Ground cafe.

James and Mike's last four miles will be to the church's Sunday morning service at 10.30am where the church will celebrate anniversary.

To sponsor James and Mike, visit justgiving.com/team/SRMruns133miles or the church's website at sunbridgeroadmission.org.uk

 

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