Rev. John Reeve to run Valencia marathon in a bid to raise £3,000 to repair the floor of St Matthew’s Church, Netley Marsh

A NEW Forest vicar is to run a marathon in a bid to raise £3,000 to replace his church’s rotting floor.

The Rev John Reeve, based at St Matthew’s Church in Ringwood Road, Netley Marsh, will undertake the Valencia Marathon in southern Spain on 3rd December.

The Rev Reeve is no stranger to marathons, having completed one in Paris in April, alongside his son, Lawrence.

Writing on the JustGiving online fundraiser page he said: “We have an urgent requirement to replace the original rotting floor with a new purpose built installation – with under-floor heating integral – which will serve the building for the coming century.”

As reported in the A&T, the Rev Reeve also undertook a mammoth task in aid of the church in 2021, when he ran eight marathons during the summer.

However, he is not blasé about the undertaking.

He said: “Running a marathon is a huge, painful yet inspiring challenge – and this one is no different!

“There are no guarantees when you set out on the marathon journey, only you know your legs are going to be utterly done at some stage.”

The church is currently closed while work on the floor begins.

He added: “ We would love further donations to our restoration fund to ensure everything in the specification can be completed.

“We do not receive any assistance from church authorities, we rely on donations – small and large – to ensure the church building is open for future generations.

“Together we can help a fantastic building live another 150 years and help make brilliant memories and life moments for many more from our community.”

To donate visit www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Revd-John-Valencia