THE Rev Hilary Campbell, team vicar of Kidlington with Hampton Poyle, is lacing up her hiking boots to pound every street in her parish in aid of the St John's renovation project.

For more than half a century, St John the Baptist Church in The Broadway, has been both a place for worship and a valuable resource for much of the community.

But the meeting room, kitchen, toilets and heating need updating, and Mrs Campbell hopes ‘Hilary’s Hike’ will help swell the coffers.

She explained: “The estimated cost for the complete renovation project is about£50,000.

“So far we have raised £29,000, which was enough to pay for all of the phase one weather-proofing – replacing roof coverings, flashings and roof lights; installing adequate insulation; repointing parapets, etc.”

“Now we are now working to raise what we need for the refurbishments and the third phase will be to redecorate the Chancel and Lady Chapel.

“I often walk around the parish to various appointments, or just enjoy the way a walk can involve greetings, chats and chance meetings along the way.

“So on Saturday, July 14, I am going to walk all the streets of the parish – about 25 miles – to raise funds for the project.

“It’s a long way, but a clever person has worked out a route for me that should mean very little duplication, and I aim to set off at 7am and complete the walk within 12 hours.”

Mrs Campbell, who is married with two teenage children, has been gearing up for her stroll by walking to all her appointments.

She hopes the walk will raise more than £1,000.

She said: “The work will benefit not only to church people on Sundays but also all the people who hire the hall during the rest of the week, including dance groups, exercise classes and meetings of various local groups.”

She added: “I’m looking forward to the challenge.”

If you would like to sponsor Mrs Campbell or more information about the church’s renovation project, visit sites.google.com/site/ stjohnkidlington/home