Rev’d Jeremy Putnam has completed an extraordinary 62-mile fundraising challenge, walking across the Crediton area to visit all 27 churches in his benefice and raising thousands of pounds to support local mission and ministry. Over two days last weekend, Jeremy set out to ‘beat the bounds’ of the newly formed benefice, covering more than 100km on foot and visiting every village church across the 20 parishes he serves as Team Vicar.
Supporters have already donated more than £2,000 through Jeremy’s GoFundMe page, with additional donations and offline gifts expected to take the total raised to between £3,500 and £4,000. As well as raising funds, the walk marked an important milestone for the newly formed benefice, bringing together 20 parishes and 27 church buildings in a shared commitment to serve their communities.
Jeremy said:
“There were so many good reasons to do this walk over the weekend. For me, it highlighted the very special village communities surrounding our historic market town of Crediton. Right at the heart of every one of these places stands a church that captures our sense of place, our shared story, and our hope.
I walked to raise funds for our shared mission and ministry costs, but also to mark the fact that these 20 parishes, 27 church buildings, and the faithful Christian communities they represent are now part of a newly formed benefice. As a new family of churches serving the area, they have decided to work, minister, pray, and share the good news of the Gospel together. It is an effort to reflect the words of St Paul “So in Christ we, though many, are one body, and each member belongs to all the others.” I think that’s excellent news for the spiritual health of our communities and the ongoing Christian character of our shared life.”
The challenge attracted support from people across the benefice, with walkers joining Jeremy on different sections of the route and many others donating, praying and cheering him on along the way.
I want to express my real thanks for the wonderful support and the money we’ve managed to raise; our best guess is about £3500-£4000 has been rasied, we are still gathering it in. And a special thank you as well to everyone who accompanied me along various stages of the route – your company meant a great deal.”
Although the walk is now complete, the fundraising campaign remains open and the target is within touching distance. Anyone wishing to support Jeremy’s efforts can donate via GoFundMe: https://gofund.me/d5446c532. Donations will help support mission, ministry and community outreach across the churches and villages of the Crediton benefice.