ANN Varker has been the minister at Crediton Methodist Church for 10 years, moving back to her home county of Devon in 2010. She is now preparing to move on to a new appointment in the north-east of England, where she will the superintendent minister of the South-West Tyneside Methodist Circuit.

The current restrictions have meant that options to say goodbye are limited but Ann is hoping to see as many people in person as she can before moving day comes around.

Ann says that the Lockdown has brought many blessings alongside the many challenges we’ve had to face.

Ann discovered the joy of running for her daily exercise, and during the last three months has seen her fitness increase along with the distance she can run.

Now she has decided to make her farewells by undertaking a 15K sponsored run to raise funds for the Crediton Methodist Youth Work project.

Other members of the church family have been asked to join her in a run or walk of 5k, 10k or 15k, which will take place on Sunday afternoon, July 19.

Social distancing rules have been carefully thought through to make sure everyone stays safe.?Crediton Methodist Church has been running successful youth work for the community here in Crediton since 2013.

After the Youth Centre closed in the town, the church opened the Big Top Youth Cafe in 2015, working in partnership with the Town Council, who have provided significant funding.?Now the church is looking to appoint a new youth worker, who will continue the excellent work carried out to-date, as well as conducting research in order to develop a new emotional well-being and resilience programme.

Ann added: "This has grown out of our awareness of the challenges contemporary life places upon the mental health of young people.

"The Covid-19 pandemic has given additional urgency to our desire to implement the project."?If you would like to sponsor Ann and other members of the church, then there is a giving page on the church website: www.creditonmethodist.org.uk .