Hamilton parishioners raised over £1000 for the NHS in a recent sponsored challenge.
Members of St John’s Parish took part in a 28-mile walk for their ‘Passing on the Love’ relay which symbolised a huge thank you to hardworking healthcare staff.
Locals of all ages were tasked with doing their bit to cover the distance then signal to the next walker when they made it outside their home.
People involved outside the area were notified by video call to take the virtual baton to continue as 23 churchgoers in total took part.
However, it was all started by a family 235 miles away in Macclesfield, Cheshire, who had been tuning into online services held by St John’s.
Those who were unable to leave their homes still fulfilled their part of the journey by making a video call to the next person.
The chain followed Covid-19 restrictions and wound through Hamilton and the surrounding area.
Passing on the Love was organised by Marielle Dodds, who leads Sunday Blast, a children’s ministry programme at St John’s Parish Church which is currently meeting online. Marielle managed to plan the entire route for the congregation to ensure it all went to plan.
After plotting the route, her young charges designed posters, banners and flags and held a vote to choose the charity of their choice.
The relay started at 11.45am on Valentine’s Day with the final stretch being completed in Hamilton by 6pm when St John’s minister, Rev Joanne Hood – the last walker – made a video call back to Cheshire to complete the loop.
Rev Hood said: “It was an amazing event that allowed so many people, near and far, who are now part of our Parish Plus worshipping community to pass on the love that we wanted to express whilst raising funds for NHS Charities Together.
“Abiding by the restrictions we are currently living with, we all felt we had been part of something quite incredible that had made a difference to lots of people who had a reason to smile.”
The group held live updates on a Whatsapp group throughout the day as walkers took their steps for charity whilst lifting community spirit.
Rev Hood added: “There was a great mix of people wanting to get involved in the relay so it was amazing how it came together thanks to Marielle’s route and connecting everybody.
“I was watching the whole thing on Whatsapp all day before completing my walk.
“It was brilliant seeing everybody watching it all unfold.
“We had a great time and no matter what the total would have been but we were glad to take part and raising over £1000 was pretty impressive.
“It brought everybody together even though we’re all in different places. I think we were all completely amazed with how much we raised.”
