Churches Conservation Trust CEO Peter Aiers will attempt to set a new record this week, visiting 50 of the country’s most treasured historic churches in just 50 hours in the first ‘The Great National Steeple Chase’. Designed to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the charity, the challenge will also raise urgently needed funds to tackle heritage crime.

Peter, who is the son of our Reader Michael and Angela Aiers, was part of the All Saints' congregation from 1973 to 1992 when he lived in Cheadle Hulme. He attended our Sunday School and sang in the choir. 

Peter’s challenge starts on the morning of Thursday 25 July at the remote church of St. George on the southerly tip of the Portland Peninsula in Dorset. The nearest Peter will get to Cheadle Hulme is either All Souls' in Bolton or Christ Church, Macclesfield where he is due at midnight on Thursday. To beat the clock, Peter will travel by helicopter, motorbike, microlite and speedboat. His full route is available on the Churches Conservation Trust (CCT) site and you can follow Peter's progress on Twitter and Instagram @TheCCT #TheGreatSteepleChase and on Facebook.

Through the Great National Steeple Chase, the CCT aims to raise £50,000 to help fight the epidemic of heritage crime. In 2018 there were 63 incidents reported of heritage crime in the UK, compared to 36 in 2017, representing an alarming 75% increase. The Churches Conservation Trust needs to find £2 million to repair the damage of lead theft alone. You can donate online or download this form and send a cheque to the charity's offices at 8 All Saints St, London N1 9RL.