Holy strokes! Armley vicar to swim 'Channel' for church repairs

A vicar at an inner-city Leeds church has challenged himself to swim the distance of the Channel at his local baths to raise money for repairs.

- by Jennifer Cartwright

The Rev Phil Arnold, vicar of Christ Church in Upper Armley, will swim for five hours every day for five days at Armley Leisure Club from May 26 to May 30.

The 21-mile challenge, which equates to 1,260 pool laps, is part of Christ Church's fundraising efforts for the Armley Good Neighbours fund.

The project aims to "future proof Christ Church as a community hub" through repairing and adapting the Christ Church building.

A key focus is to make "substantial" repairs, estimated to cost £300,000, to the Christ Church roof.

This will enable the church to continue to run its various services including Mass, youth groups and a parish pantry.