Fundraiser cycling to every Anglican cathedral in British Isles

A 40-year-old farm foreman is planning to cycle to every Anglican cathedral in the British Isles in the hope of raising thousands of pounds towards his village church and Macmillan Cancer Support.

Gary Bluett, from the tiny village of Letton in Herefordshire, already raised £5,800 in 2006 when he cycled from Letton Church to Westminster Abbey in London.

This year he aims to raise even more money for good causes by cycling two thousand, six hundred miles in less than four weeks.

"I am not sure that anyone has made this trip before and I have checked," said Mr Bluett. "I shall be visiting fifty six cathedrals on the British mainland and crossing the sea to the Isle of Man and all for two good causes. I am planning to do it in one go and hope to complete it in twenty five days."

The launch this Sunday incorporates a service, to be broadcast via the BBC local radio station, from the village church to celebrate Epiphany, the feast of the kings, although Mr Bluett is not due to start the actual cycle tour until mid-May.

"The bike ride is going to be gruelling and while I have a great support team now helping me with arranging the route, stopovers and building a website, I will be on my own when I take to the roads," added Mr Bluett. "I am hoping to raise a very large amount of money for two very important charities and hope that people will sponsor me. No amount is too small."

Letton and its church are mentioned in the Domesday Book, although a building has been on the site since Saxon times. The funds raised by Mr Bluett will go towards the extensive remedial work needed in the building, which is used not only for services but also for hosting social events.

Mr Bluett will wear a camera on his head during the cycle tour and regular updates will be posted on the website www.cathedralquest.org.uk