For nearly thirty years, Rachael, the bell of the Catholic Church of Christ the King, Chingford (a parish in the care of the Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham), has called the faithful to Mass, rung out in celebration at Christmas and Easter, marked weddings and funerals, and proclaimed moments of joy and sorrow in the life of our parish. 

Today, she has fallen silent. Her clapper became detached and the bell can no longer ring safely. 

To help raise the £9,000 needed for extensive repairs, Nicola Chrismas, the parish's senior altar server, will be walking a full marathon on Saturday 5 September, following the Thames Path from Hampton Court to the Millennium Bridge. 

Having recently celebrated her 70th birthday, Nicola is taking on this challenge in support of the church she has called home for so many years. 

"Mum and I helped raise funds to build the church," explains Nicola. "It was here that I fulfilled the calling I'd felt since I was seven years old to serve at the altar. Rachael has always been part of that story. Hearing her ring on Sunday mornings, at Christmas and Easter, and for funerals has always been part of parish life. Without her, there is just a little bit missing." 

The required restoration work will replace the clapper, update the associated electrics and install a modern control system. Every donation, however large or small, will help bring Rachael's voice back to our parish.