Two energetic members of the Lichfield Cathedral community, Eric and Margaret Harding have walked 90 miles this summer between Chester and Lichfield Cathedral to raise funds for the Cathedral's East End Appeal. They have raised £1,200 to date.

Margaret, a lay member of Cathedral Chapter and her husband Eric Harding, who is a Cathedral steward, started their long distance walk on Tuesday 28th June and completed the final stage of the walk to Lichfield Cathedral on Saturday 3rd September arriving in time for Evensong.

Picture - Eric and Margaret arrive at Lichfield Cathedral (with kind permission of Lichfield Camera Club). 

The Cathedral would like to express their thanks to Eric and Margaret for their fundraising efforts. For more information about the East End Appeal please contact Patricia Collins (Director of Fundraising) on 01543 306245 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it

Patricia Collins, Director of Fundraising commented:

Margaret and Eric are an inspiration to us all. In undertaking this walk they emphasise the community between Cathedrals and their people, raise awareness of history, the meaning of heritage for present and future generations and are set to raise a considerable sum for the needs of the East End of Lichfield Cathedral. We are most grateful to them and all their supporters and look forward to welcoming many new visitors to Lichfield Cathedral. Eric and Margaret would be delighted if you cheered them on their way and made a donation to the cause they feel so passionate about.

Last year, Eric and Margaret resolved to walk more and have tried to walk at least once a week in preparation for this sponsored event. They completed 120 miles along the Staffordshire Way in 2010 and choose local buses for access.

The Two Saints Way

The aim of the Two Saints Way Project is to establish a fully way-marked pilgrimage route between at the cathedral cities of Chester and Lichfield. The walk is being developed by a group of enthusiasts led by David Potts and prospective partners in the project including amongst others Chester Cathedral, Lichfield Cathedral, Stoke Minster, British Waterways and Staffordshire University. For more information about the Two Saints Way please visit www.twosaintsway.org.uk

Lichfield Cathedral's East End Appeal

In 2004, it became apparent that a combination of 200 years of weather erosion of the sandstone and the effects of condensation, grime and pollution had taken a severe toll on the East End of Lichfield Cathedral, which was in imminent danger of collapse. Emergency funding was secured from English Heritage, which allowed the Herkenrode glass to be removed to safe storage and work to begin on the restoration of the stonework.  The painted and stained glass made in Herkenrode, Flanders (now Belgium) between 1532 and 1539, is possibly the finest example of Renaissance glass in England.

The East of the Cathedral was boarded up for over a year whilst work continued to strengthen and restore the stonework. Repairs were completed on time and within budget by Advent 2010.

The total cost of the restoration project is £3.7 million and to date the Cathedral has raised over eighty percent of this amount from Trusts and through the generosity of individuals in the Cathedral community and beyond.  The Cathedral is now in the final phase of the appeal with approximately £700,000 required to reach target.

There are a number of ways to sponsor the Lichfield Cathedral Two Saints Walk and support the restoration of the Herkenrode glass and its eventual reinstallation in the Lady Chapel:

•  In the donations box at the West End of the Cathedral 
•  By post to Judith Ayton, Fundraising Officer, The Chapter Office, 19a The Close, Lichfield , WS13 7LD. Please make cheques payable to 'Lichfield Cathedral' and write 'Two Saints Way East End Appeal' on the reverse of your cheque. Please do not send cash through the post.
• Via the Cathedral's JustGiving page. Please visit www.justgiving.com/eastendappeal. JustGiving is a simple and secure way to donate online.
• Via JustTextGiving. Simply text EAST23 plus the amount you wish to donate (£1/£2/£3/£4/£5 or £10) to 70070. Texts are free and your personal details will not be used for any other purpose.
• By setting up a regular standing order. Please contact Judith Ayton, Fundraising Officer on 01543 306106, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it to request the relevant forms.