Fund-raising vicar embarks on "Great British Bike Off" challenge

A Newport vicar and his wife have embarked on a very special fundraising challenge for Lent – “A Great British Bike Off!”

Revd Justin Groves and his wife Lucy are raising money to refurbish St Stephens Church in Pill, by completing a virtual tour of Great Britain - all 2828 miles of it!

Using a borrowed exercise bike, the couple is visiting 18 different ‘foodie’ locations on the way and then taking on the extra challenge of making the local speciality dish from that region!

They explained: “We are raising money for the refurbishment of St Stephens Church in Pill to make it into a modern warm and welcoming church and community outreach hub.

"We are both exhausted and excited by this challenge so far. We want to see our church building become a key place in our community, open every day as we engage in serving and working alongside others to make Jesus known.

“We look forward to it being known as a place of joyful vibrant and passionate worship and we look forward to our move to Pill to be part of what God is already doing."

From Welsh cakes to Cornish pasties, and a finale which takes them to the international Space Station, Revd Justin and Lucy are half-way towards raising their £10k target.

To find out more about the Groves’ journey so far and how to donate please visit

https://newportwestbenefice.churchsuite.co.uk/donate/fund/cdrdg5s1