Gloucester Cathedral is closing in on its £1million appeal target as the Diocese of Gloucester commits vital funds to support the Beacon of Hope appeal.

Having been hit hard by the coronavirus crisis, Gloucester Cathedral stands to lose up to £1.3million by 2021 in lost visitor and events income. 

Launched in June, the Beacon of Hope Appeal aims to raise £1million by Christmas to ensure the Cathedral can remain open and fully operational.

This financial support, which comes from earned income of GDBF* trading activities, such as Good & Faithful Servant, will enable the Cathedral to continue to play a crucial role in the local community's recovery from the Covid-19 pandemic.

In addition, the Cathedral said that all grants and donations to the appeal will enable a programme of cultural and social activities to help inspire local communities, promote wellbeing, support those who are most vulnerable and stimulate the local economy.

The Right Reverend Rachel Treweek, Bishop of Gloucester said: "Gloucester Cathedral is the Mother Church of our diocese and a prominent centre of worship and mission, both locally, nationally and internationally, so we felt it was vital to support the Beacon of Hope Appeal.

"We now pray that this commitment from the diocese will urge other potential funders to do the same and that the Cathedral can remain open and able to bring both hope and practical help to others in its key role at the heart of our diocese."

The Very Reverend Stephen Lake, Dean of Gloucester said: "I am incredibly grateful to Bishop's Council for this extraordinarily generous grant. Gloucester Cathedral stands as a Beacon of Hope and this funding will help to ensure we continue to light up a path to recovery across the region.

"The money raised so far has enabled us to keep the building open for everyone, provide daily worship, hold stunning cultural events like 'Gaia' and continue our work supporting the most vulnerable. And although we know it will be different this year, we are working hard to plan a Christmas celebration for the local community that will live long in the memory.

"None of this would have been possible without the support of the organizations and individuals who have donated to our appeal. We are now just £250,000 short of our target and are confident that with the support of the local community we will reach £1m by the end of the year."