Minister's new hip-op appeal (From Gazette Series)

Minister's new hip-op appeal

PARISHIONERS in Wotton-under-Edge are uniting to help pay for a minister's hip operation.

Members of St Mary's Church in the town are being asked to contribute towards the hip replacement needed by the Rev Michael Chappell.

Mr Chappell, a non-stipendiary minister for the church, was recently informed that he would need a hip replacement but faced waiting nine to 12 months for an operation on the NHS.

Minister of St Mary's, the Rev John May, told the Gazette: "We didn't want to see him in pain. It is dispiriting for people to suffer."

Being a non-stipendiary minister means all the work Mr Chappell has done for the church in the 20 years since he finished training at the Gloucester School of Ministry has been voluntary.

Mr Chappell is a well-known character in the town of Wotton, where he ran the greengrocers until his retirement several years ago.

Mr May added: "We haven't done any fundraising events as such but we have made requests to people.

"We have simply asked members of the church who know Michael to make donations and the only members of the church we haven't asked are those who don't know him.

"Michael has done a tremendous amount for the town and the response we have had already shows what he has meant to people."

The fundraising drive for the operation was only launched four weeks ago but the target of £9,000 has almost been reached, meaning Mr Chappell will be able to have the operation much sooner with a private health company.

For more information or to make a donation contact St Mary's Church in Wotton on 01453 842175.