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The Minister Drops InUnited Reformed Church minister, the Revd David Ireland often drops in on people, but never before from 140 feet above the pitch at Manchester United’s Old Trafford ground. As well as being minister of Union Street church, in Oldham, David is also chief executive of Francis House Children’s Hospice in Manchester, and was part of a sponsored abseil from the roof of the club’s North Stand.
More than 200 people took part, including several other URC members, and Coronation Street actors Chris Gascoyne and John Thomason. Sponsorship money is beginning to come in, with an expected total of around £50,000. David Ireland is pictured preparing to abseil with his wife Judith.
The hospice was set up in 1991as a Roman Catholic initiative; it was established as an ecumenical project to serve children and families of all faiths. A large proportion of the charitable fundraising comes through local churches with many posts at the charity being filled by volunteers, clergy and religious sisters.
At the moment the hospice is caring for 210 children and their families.
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