Guy strides out for ailing Cliviger church (From Lancashire Telegraph)

Guy strides out for ailing Cliviger church

3:03pm Tuesday 6th September 2011 in Cliviger

LITTLE Guy Whalley’s tiny steps are set to make great strides in helping his 16th century church to overcome dry rot.

The plucky youngster was facing a big week already, even before tackling a sponsored walk for St John the Divine at Cliviger.

He celebrates his fifth birthday today and is starting school at the neighbouring St John’s Primary.

And he’s enlisted the help of his little pal Lydia Wrathall, who only turns four next week.

Villagers have rallied around after church leaders were left facing a £190,000 bill to repair the Tudor-era landmark.

Guy, from Cliviger, has been in training with his dad Neil, in preparation for the 12-mile hike on Saturday.

Crimean War hero General Sir James Yorke Scarlett is buried at St John’s, leading villagers to dub their effort ‘Scarlett’s Stride.

Neil Whalley said: “He’s detemined to do the walk, especially as our church, is next door to his new school, and Guy will be attending church with his classmates.”

Joining Guy also will be his sisters Amy, 11, and nine-year-old Ella.

Around 200 walkers are expected to set off for the expedition through Cliviger Gorge, to aid the appeal.

Scarlett led the successful Charge of the Heavy Brigade, at the Battle of Balaclava in October 1854.

Lady O’Hagan, the last member of the Towneley family to reside at Burnley’s Towneley Hall, is also buried in the church grounds.

Eric Wrathall, 56, a cobbler and lifelong Cliviger resident, has led the Scarlett’s Stride, in previous years.