On a wing and a prayer (From Leigh Journal)

Ex-Leigh priest is a high flier

9:10am Friday 1st July 2011 in News

A PRIEST will fly through the air to boost funds for a £1 million church roof refurbishment project.

Father John Wiseman, formerly at St Thomas's, Bedford, Leigh will take to the skies as part of a charity zip wire challenge.

He will be exchanging his bible and vestments for trainers and a zip wire as he dashes off to Manchester after his Sunday services to complete the challenge to fund major refurbishments needed at the church he is now at. Father Wiseman will travel 260 metres along the wire after leaping off the top of the 30 metre-high Imperial War Museum, passing over the Manchester Ship Canal and landing at The Lowry in the daring fundraiser, which will take place on Sunday, July 17.

Major works need to be started on the roof of Saint Matthew’s Church in Market Street, Little Lever.

Father Wiseman, aged 55, formerly of Green Lane, Leigh, said: “We are in the position where we have to raise £1 million so I thought I had to do one or two dramatic things.

"I am okay with heights until I get there!"

In preparation for the zip wire challenge, Rev Wiseman has been getting in training at parks in Bolton.