83-Year-Old Cyclist Takes on Remarkable Church-to-Church Ride to Raise Funds for Restoration
Age is no barrier to determination, and Jeff Harris is living proof. At 83 years young Jeff, an active and beloved member of St David’s Church in Tonyrefail, has completed an extraordinary sponsored cycle ride across the Llan Ministry Area, visiting all 12 churches in one inspiring journey to raise funds for restoration work to St David’s.
The Llan Ministry Area is one of the largest in the Diocese of Llandaff, covering a wide area across South Wales. Jeff’s cycling route spanned 12 churches: Ss Illtyd Gwynno and Dyfodwg, Llantrisant; Ss Julius and Aaron, Llanharan; St Alban, Tonyrefail; St Anne, Talygarn; St Barnabas, Gilfach Goch; St David, Miskin; St David, Tonyrefail; St Illtud, Llantwit Fardre; St Illtyd, Llanharry; St Michael, Beddau; St Paul, Pontyclun; and St Peter, Brynna. The route reflects both the geographical breadth and the spiritual unity of the Llan Ministry Area.
Starting bright and early, Jeff set out on this personal pilgrimage with purpose: to raise essential funds for the restoration of St David’s Church. With every mile pedalled, Jeff demonstrated not only impressive stamina but an unshakable commitment to his church and community.
Jeff wasn’t alone on this journey. Riding alongside him was his brother-in-law, John, who kept pace throughout and served as the official photographer capturing powerful moments of the ride for all to share and remember.
Rev'd Belinda Huxtable-Goy, Vicar in the Llan Ministry Area said; “A huge round of applause to our remarkable Jeff, who completed his incredible cycling challenge to raise crucial funds for the restoration of St. David’s Church in Tonyrefail.
We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Jeff, for his dedication, and to John, for his unwavering support and photography skills.”
Jeff said: “Age is just a number, so it is said, and I do not intend, at the age of 83, to stop doing the things I enjoy. And one of those things is cycling. I have realised my powers of endurance are not what they were, that's why I recently bought an e-bike (those hills were getting steeper every year!), but you still have to cycle, even on an e-bike.
Weather permitting my brother-in-law, John, and I go riding every week, usually somewhere in the Vale of Glamorgan. So visiting each of the 12 churches in the Llan Ministry Area was a pleasant change of route for us.
As with all our church , work needs to be done on St David's Tonyrefail such as re-pointing the south wall and internal re-decoration. Rather than just pass the hat around and beg for donations I decided on a sponsored bike ride – the aforementioned 12 church odyssey.
John and I were heartened by the amount of goodwill shown for this venture and the welcome we received at various churches. St David's, Tonyrefail are very grateful for all donations we have received.”
The church community is still rallying behind Jeff’s fundraising efforts, with donations still being accepted to support the much-needed restoration of the historic St David’s Church building.
Jeff’s journey may have ended at the church doors, but the spirit he’s inspired will carry on for miles to come.
To make a donation visit Llan Ministry Area’s website.