The Bishop of Blackburn, Rt Rev Philip North, will join BBC Radio Lancashire presenters and many locals abseiling down St Laurence’s church tower in Chorley this Saturday, March 9, as part of their ‘Raise the Roof’ fundraising campaign. 

The Bishop, pictured doing an abseil a few years ago at another church, was interviewed by Graham Liver on Radio Lancashire recently about the Chorley event, during which he described taking part as a ‘bonkers’ thing to do!

But that description didn't stop Graham himself pledging to support the event by taking a (fully roped up) leap off the tower alongside the Bishop and his BBC presenting colleague Leanne Bayes!

Bishop Philip said today: "There is amazing ministry at St Laurence's with a Wellness Hub open all week - providing everything from a cafe to debt counselling - and that can't continue if the roof falls in so the fundraising is less about the roof and more about supporting the great work of the parish."

Meanwhile Graham Liver added: “I’ve featured many groups and organisations on my BBC Radio Lancashire breakfast show that are based at St Laurence’s In Chorley; it’s a fantastic community hub. So when Bishop Philip told us he was doing the abseil during a recent appearance on our show we knew it would be a great chance to support this great cause directly and I’m glad Leanne and I can help.”

Fr Neil Kelley from St Laurence's commented: "We are so grateful to Bishop Philip, for supporting our fundraising campaign. His involvement has thrown an even bigger spotlight on it than might have otherwise been the case.

"We are also grateful to BBC Radio Lancashire for the fantastic profile they have given the event and to Graham and Leanne in particular for being such a good sports and being willing to give the abseiling a go!"

• Help the fundraising for St Laurence's by visiting the JustGiving page here. Even a small donation will make a huge difference. 

Captions for pictures, top to bottom:

• Bishop Philip takes a breather during a previous church tower abseil  
• Graham Liver and Leanne Bayes from BBC Radio Lancashire
• Fr Neil Kelley from St Laurence’s
• A view of St Laurence's church tower from the bottom