A Sussex vicar is set to embark on a five-day pilgrimage to raise funds for the Sussex Historic Churches Trust.

The Revd Marcus Collie, vicar of Midhurst and Rector of All Hallows, Woolbeding, says he's "motorbike-mad". 

He plans to ride his Suzuki V-Strom from one side of the county to the other, starting at the 12th-century St Mary’s Church in Rye on 24 August, and ending at Chichester Cathedral.

The fundraising effort is part of the annual Ride + Stride event, which raises money for local churches and the Sussex Historic Churches Trust. Along the way, he'll pause and pray in 100 churches - many of which have previously received grants from the Trust for vital repairs and restoration.

Revd Collie, who is also a governor and chaplain at Midhurst Primary School, hopes others will join him at various stops along his pilgrimage.

“I’ve always been a huge supporter of Ride and Stride and have taken part every year since I became the incumbent for the joint benefice three years ago,” Marcus said. “When I broke my foot in 2024, I couldn’t participate as a cyclist so I organised a ‘Ride and Hobble’ instead. This involved leading a merry band of parishioners who use mobility aids on a ‘hobble’ through Midhurst, finishing up with much-needed refreshments at the church!”

Chris Whittick of the Sussex Historic Churches Trust commented: “This pilgrimage is a wonderful initiative and definitely one of the most unusual and ambitious Ride + Stride fundraising activities we have heard about. We are incredibly grateful that Marcus has chosen the Trust as the beneficiary of his endeavour.”

Supporters are being encouraged to join Marcus along the route to celebrate faith, heritage, and the preservation of historic places of worship.