I am going right outside my comfort zone to raise money for two amazing charities! For both of them I have a personal connection.

Restore: Mental illness affects one in four of us in our lifetime - and has affected members of my close family. But people can, and do, recover. Restore is an Oxfordshire mental health charity that supports people to take control of their recovery, develop skills, and lead meaningful lives. They offer recovery groups, training, and employment coaching to make this possible. They are one of the longest-established, and most highly regarded community rehabilitation services in the UK. Founded in 1977, they are part of a partnership of local mental health organizations with a commitment to helping people to recover, stay well and participate in and contribute to the life of our county.

Dorchester Abbey - has a remarkable history, and is where I am privileged to serve as Rector. It was founded in 635 when Birinus brought the message of the gospel to the people of Wessex. The king was converted and baptised and invited Birinus to found a cathedral here. From the 12th Century it became an Augustinian Abbey, and then since the dissolution of the monasteries in the 16th century it has been the parish church for the village of Dorchester-on-Thames. We have an amazing heritage! And also quite a responsibility for a small village to care for such a building - events such as Dorchester Festival, as well as providing wonderful cultural opportunities for our community, contribute significant financial support to the life of the Abbey.

At each festival we partner with a local charity and I am delighted that this year we are partnering with Restore. All profits will be split 50/50 between the two charities.