Prison chaplain to swap vestments for running vest for charity run

VESTMENT TO VEST: The chaplain is raising much needed funds for charity

A prison chaplain from Doncaster is preparing to swap her vestments for a running vest to raise money for a charity that supports vulnerable children.

Joann Byrne is part of a team of six prison chaplains from around the country taking part in this year’s Great North Run on behalf of The Children’s Society. The team will be among 60,000 runners taking part in the half-marathon between Newcastle and South Shields on Sunday September 11.

Joann and her colleagues were persuaded to take part by Rev Helen Dearnley, who supports a 300-strong network of prison chaplains in her role as Anglican and HQ Advisor for Her Majesty’s Prison and Probation Service. Rev Helen wanted to do something to build camaraderie amongst her team.

The team are hoping to raise around £10,000 and are excited about the impact their fundraising could have.

Joann, who works at HMP Lindholme, said: “I previously did the Great North Run in 2014 and did say I wouldn’t do it again, but the opportunity to support a worth charity like The Children’s Society, have a fitness goal for the year and attempt to beat my time was not to be passed up.

“Children and young people are our future, but they need hope and every opportunity afforded to them so they can be whoever they want to be in our ever-changing society. The Children’s Society provide that and the money invested enables them to continue this valuable work.”

Joann said that as managing chaplain, her role included pastoral support for prisoners of all faiths and none, with everything from courses and activities, to one to one support and bereavement support. She is also leads on supporting veterans in custody.

It is not only chaplains Rev Helen is hoping to get involved in the run. The challenge is also being set amongst prison staff and prisoners, some of whom may run the marathon on treadmills in prison gyms.

Three Bishops who provide episcopal support to prison chaplains will also be covering the distance between them in their dioceses.

The Bishop of Derby, the Rt Revd Libby Lane, who is Vice Chair of The Children’s Society; the Bishop of Gloucester, the Rt Revd Rachel Treweek, who is also Anglican Bishop for Prisons and the Bishop of Lichfield, the Rt Revd Michael Ipgrave, will all be putting themselves through their paces. Another two chaplains will be completing the distance in their home towns.

Gill Dean, Community Relationship Manager for The Children’s Society in the North East, said: “We are thrilled the prison chaplains chose to help The Children’s Society. The money they raise will really help us to support children living incredibly difficult lives, from those facing poverty, to those at risk of criminal and sexual exploitation and those experiencing mental health issues.

“It’s great that the team are not only coming together at the Great North Run, but also getting the prison community involved. We hope it creates lots of buzz and excitement amongst prisoners and prisoner guards.”

Rev Helen said: “Everyone knows getting exercise is good not only for people’s physical health, but that it can improve their mental health too. I am hoping that by signing up for this challenge the prison community can really come together to do something positive for children and their futures.”

Visit the website to sponsor the team.

Submitted by Rob Devey

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