Over £100,000 has been raised by Ripon Cathedral’s inspiring ‘A Wing and a Prayer’ project – launched in May with the support of the Yorkshire Air Ambulance.
The money raised will be used to offset the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic has had on fundraising events and visitor donations – sources of income on which the cathedral and the Yorkshire Air Ambulance rely.
‘A Wing and a Prayer’ aims to create an installation of origami angels that fills the nave with prayers for those who have lost their lives to the coronavirus and those in the NHS and other front line services who are risking their own lives for the sake of others. The display will reflect how people from our community have come together during these uncertain times to support one another.
Since the launch of the project the Yorkshire Air Ambulance and Ripon Cathedral Development Trust have received generous and continuing support and donations towards the vital work of the air ambulance and the ministry of the cathedral – for the benefit of people and communities across the region; in just under four weeks ‘A Wing and a Prayer’ has raised over £105,000.
The Dean of Ripon, the Very Rev John Dobson DL said: “We have been overwhelmed with the continuous generosity from our community and are excited to reveal our installation when our doors are open to the public.
“Our goal is to fill Ripon Cathedral with origami angels and prayers that offer a spectacular attraction for our community and tourists to visit and reflect upon”.
Helen Callear, Director of Fundraising (North and East) for the Yorkshire Air Ambulance, said: “We would like to thank everyone for their support and generosity at this difficult time and thank Ripon Cathedral for choosing us as their charity partner. We have been truly overwhelmed by the support the project has received so far, but would like to encourage as many people as possible to become part of such a poignant and moving project.
It costs £12,000 a day to keep both helicopters maintained and in the air and the money raised will help greatly towards the vital funding of our service.”
Donate an Angel here https://cafdonate.cafonline.org/12976
*An online form allows you to request a prayer, which will then be printed onto an origami paper angel. While the angels become part of the installation – the clergy of the cathedral will offer these prayers during services. Printable and downloadable angels allow you to keep your heroes in your hearts at home as well – spread appreciation for all keyworkers by decorating the angels and sharing them on social media and in the windows of your home.