ALTON woman Doris Blow, who will be 100 years old next year, has taken up the challenge and is joining in a sponsored walk to raise awareness and funds for the Anna Chaplaincy for Older People.

The Anna Chaplaincy, which started in Alton seven years ago, promotes the spiritual welfare of people in residential homes and in the wider community of people in their later years. Anna Chaplains lead worship and visit people whether in care, sheltered homes or those struggling with living independently.

Led by Debbie Thrower, working with The Bible Reading Fellowship on The Gift of Years programme, “to resource the spiritual journey of older people”, the Anna concept is now spreading nationwide.

Many older people and their relatives and carers appreciate this additional support provided by churches for the benefit of their communities whether they are people who have strong, little, or no faith at all.

Alton now has several Anna Chaplains – Helen, Jonathan and Rachel, in addition to Debbie. The work is named after the widow Anna who appears with Simeon in St Luke’s Gospel – both good role models of faithful older people.

The sponsored walk is planned for Saturday, March 18, starting at 11am, in Alton’s Public Gardens. Sponsor forms can be found at the back of the GAP churches (All Saints, St Lawrence, St Peter’s Beech, The Church of the Holy Rood, Holybourne, and Alton Methodist Church).

To get involved, call Kate Dando on 01420 83514.

For more details about the Anna Chaplaincy for Older People, visit thegiftofyears.org.uk.