Dean of Dromore limbers up for fundraising cycle
The Dean of Dromore, the Very Revd Geoff Wilson, has been speaking to the Belfast Telegraph about his plans for a marathon fundraising cycle.
On 11 June Geoff will set off on a 275–mile trek, taking in all six counties and eight cathedrals before returning to Dromore on Friday 14 June.
He will take in the Church of Ireland cathedrals in Armagh, Clogher, Enniskillen, Londonderry, Belfast, Lisburn and Downpatrick.
In doing so, Geoff will raise funds to install a disabled toilet in Dromore Cathedral and a 20,000 litre water tank at Maridi Cathedral in South Sudan.
“The disabled toilet in Dromore Cathedral will make such a difference to people of all ages gathering for our worship,” Geoff explained.
“The provision of a water tank at Maridi Cathedral will mean that the church will be able to ‘harvest’ water during the rainy season and then use that water in all kinds of ways – including drinking if purified appropriately – during periods when water is much less available.
“This will mean that the church will be able to provide water to the community as well as save considerable amounts of money on an ongoing basis.”
Geoff hopes to raise around £4,000 from the cycle and says each pound raised will be divided equally between his two chosen projects, while any surplus will be given to Maridi diocese for emergency needs.
Down and Dromore’s link with Maridi diocese stretches back almost 20 years.
Geoff added: “Our cathedral has a long–standing link with Maridi diocese, most recently deepened through the participation of myself and others from the Church of Ireland in a Peace and Reconciliation conference in Arua in northern Uganda last October.
“The people of Maridi, and indeed South Sudan, have suffered a great deal in recent years with hundreds of thousands still displaced and many children orphaned through conflict.
“Yet, the Church is giving such a strong lead in returning them to their homes with renewed hope and the offer of forgiveness.”
Despite the epic challenge ahead, Geoff says he is “excited” about the sponsored cycle.
Anyone wishing to donate should make cheques payable to Dromore Cathedral and send them to: The Very Revd Geoff Wilson, 30 Church Street, Dromore, BT25 1AA.