A VICAR is celebrating 25 years since he was ordained with a 250-mile fundraising challenge.
The Rev Ian Grainger, who was ordained at Whitehaven’s St James’ Church in 1993, wants to mark the milestone by walking 10 miles for every year of service and raise cash for three causes.
Money raised will be split between St Paul’s Church in Seaton and St Peter’s Church in Camerton (where he has been vicar since 2002), Diabetes UK and Dementia UK.
Mr Grainger said: “I can’t believe it’s that long since I was ordained, it seems to have gone very quickly. 
“I’ve had a good time in these 25 years, but there have also been some challenges along the way. It’s a nice milestone to reach.”
Mr Grainger chose to raise cash for Diabetes UK as he was diagnosed with the condition last year. “I was told at the time that I was really quite seriously ill and that my blood sugar levels were so high it was a good job I went when I did,” he said.
He initially set himself a target of £1,000, but he has already smashed that. He is hoping to reach a total of 250 miles walked on December 19 – ahead of the anniversary of his ordination on December 21. 
On the day he will be walking from Seaton to St James’ Church in Whitehaven. “I wanted to do something to celebrate this 25th anniversary, but I wanted to give something back rather than take something. Anybody can join me at any time.”
Mr Grainger is already ahead of schedule for hitting his target. To support Mr Grainger visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/ian-grainger