LATEST UPDATE (April 2025):

We did it ...now we're doing it AGAIN!

We are planning yet another Marathon Trek for April 27th 2025, this time from Beachy Head all the way back to St. Andrew's, Hove to keep going towards our target of £100,000 towards transforming our church to support our community.

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Updated: We did it! 17 of us aged 13 to 71 did the London Marathon MyWay 2024 to help renovate our church. It was epic but worth it!

We trekked 26.2 miles across the South Downs on the same day as the London Marathon because we love our beautiful church and the community it serves, and we want to better equip it to meet the needs it faces in the 21st Century.

The Vision:

Our church stands as a beacon of hope, bringing people together from all walks of life to worship, enjoy friendship and to serve the community. Throughout the week it provides a number of free, inclusive activities including a kids and adult choir, youth group, coffee mornings, brunches and warm hubs. These activities make our spiritual home a bastion against poverty and isolation. But this bastion is crumbling! Currently lacking essential facilities such as a kitchen and toilet, and burdened with outdated, environmentally unfriendly heating, we are eager to embark on a transformative journey to make our church a more inclusive and accessible hub for all.

The Need:

We have set an ambitious goal of raising £100,000 towards the renovation of our beloved church. This initiative will not only modernise the infrastructure but also significantly reduce our carbon footprint

The Plan

John Puttick Associates, who have extensive experience of working on churches in Brighton and Hove and maintaining their timeless character while improving their accessibility and usability, have produced plans for toilets, kitchen facilities, a workspace and a mezzanine balcony

Why Now?

Our vision extends beyond bricks and mortar. With your support, we aim to create a space that builds community spirit, offering vital services that address the diverse needs of our neighbours.

The Impact:

Upon successful completion of the renovations, our church will become a hub for positive change, offering:

🌈 After School Youth Cafe: A safe and nurturing environment for young minds to learn, connect, and thrive.

☕ Morning Coffees for Isolated Individuals: A welcoming space for those who may feel isolated, providing warmth, companionship, and a sense of belonging.

🤝 Increased Support for the Homeless: Expanded services to support our homeless community, offering shelter, sustenance, and pathways to a better future.

👶 Toddler Groups: A haven for parents and toddlers to come together, fostering early childhood development and community connections.

🌿 Eco-Friendly Initiatives: By updating our infrastructure, we aim to reduce our environmental impact, contributing to a greener and more sustainable future.

Our Progress:

We are thrilled to share that thanks to the overwhelming support of our community, we have already raised an astounding £350,000. We are now on the verge of reaching our £100,000 goal, but we need your help to make this vision a reality.

How You Can Help:

Every contribution, big or small, brings us one step closer to realising our dream of a building a more community-friendly church. Your support will make a lasting impact on the lives of those who call our community home.

So please consider sponsoring our trekked... It’s a very long way but we are doing it for our church!

Please join us in this transformative journey.

Together, let's build a community that uplifts, supports, and nurtures.

Donate today and be a part of our inspiring story!

https://www.standrewshove.org/buildingcommunity