LOCAL church bell ringer, Chris Jenkins and a group of ringers, succeeded in the challenge of ringing a ‘peal’ of 5,040 bell changes last weekend, also reaching a fundraising target of £1,000 for Diabetes UK.
Chris Jenkins took on the challenge of ringing a ‘peal’, consisting of 5,040 bell changes, alongside a team of volunteers, at Sherborne Abbey on Saturday 25th August, completing the challenge in exactly four hours!
Chris has had type 1 diabetes for 27 years, being diagnosed at the age of 7, and his father for 36 years. He wanted to undertake the challenge to show people that having diabetes should not affect people’s life ambitions.
Chris told White Horse News, “I am delighted to say that we were successful in scoring the peal. We started at 10.30 am and finished exactly 2.30 pm – four hours exact!
“The whole band did a great job and work well together. I hit a bit of a wall with a hour to go but just had to grit my teeth and go for it. Needless to say, I am rather sore and have many blisters on my hands!
“With a bit of care before hand, the diabetes was quite well behaved with a slightly low sugar level at the end.
“Also, I am delighted to say that I have managed to raise just over £1,000 for Diabetes UK and am grateful to all who have donated and supported me through the challenge.”
If you are interested in learning bell ringing, the group is looking to recruit new ringers nationally and locally. For more information email Chris on devizes.master@sdgr.org.
