95-Year-Old Grandmother Takes on Charity Walk to Save Local Church
A 95-year-old woman is stepping up to support her struggling church, undertaking a three-mile sponsored walk to help cover mounting expenses after it was hit with a staggering £10,000 energy bill.
Linacre Methodist Mission and Neighbourhood Centre in Litherland, Merseyside, has been a cornerstone of the community for over a century. However, rising costs have put the historic Grade II-listed building at risk, making it difficult to continue its essential services.
Determined to help, Esther Postill, who has worshipped at the church for more than 35 years, decided to take action. Calling it a "community lifeline," she hopes her walk will raise enough funds to keep the church open.
"This place means an awful lot to me and to so many others," Ms. Postill said. "It's a warm space where people can come for a hot drink, a chat, and support when they need it most."
The church not only serves as a place of worship but also operates as a food bank and community pantry, welcoming people six days a week. However, with ongoing repairs and surging utility costs, keeping its doors open has become increasingly difficult.
Church trustee Margaret Langton highlighted the financial strain, stating, "To heat a building of this age is incredibly expensive. As time goes on, more structural issues arise, making maintenance an ongoing challenge."
Ms. Langton praised Esther’s efforts, calling her charity walk "a truly beautiful gesture."
"There’s so much good that happens inside this building, and it has a ripple effect on the whole community," she said.
Ms. Postill aims to raise £20,000 through her walk, which will take place on Thursday between Crosby and Litherland— a route filled with personal significance. It’s the same path she once walked with her seven grandchildren when taking them to church.
"This church has been a place of friendship and comfort for me," she reflected. "I used to attend with my husband before he passed away in 1999, and since then, I’ve been so well looked after by the wonderful people here."
Despite her age, Ms. Postill is no stranger to challenges. A testament to her resilience, she previously climbed Mount Snowdon at 76.
With donations already pouring in, she remains hopeful that her efforts will help keep the church’s mission alive for years to come.