Ride + Stride tribute to Robert Longmore

Fundraisers taking part in this September’s Ride + Stride on behalf of St Bartholomew's Egdean in West Sussex will be following in the footsteps of one of the county’s most prolific Ride-and-Striders.

Robert Longmore, who died in April just a few months short of his 100th birthday, was a true Ride + Stride Hero. He helped raised thousands of pounds for St Bartholomew's and the Sussex Historic Churches Trust during a highly productive 15-year tenure as local organiser. 

Robert, a keen fisherman, started his career in the colonial service in Nigeria before returning to the UK and becoming a solicitor. He played an active role in the Petworth Festival and was also a director of Petworth Cottage Nursing Home. His beloved wife Nancy died at the home in 2011; the couple had been married for 57 years. 

Church warden Jenny Foster said: “Robert was amazing. He organised our Ride and Stride for many years and also always walked on the day with his two dogs. Of course, not only did we have to sponsor him but we also had to sponsor his two dogs too!  Robert only stopped organising in 2021 - when he was 96 - but still carried on as a participant and also helping to man the church on the day. Robert raised about £1,000 a year with a record year in 2017 of £1,804. He often raised more than half of the entire amount raised. 

“We’re now aiming to put our best foot forward this Sepember - to raise as much as we can for the cause to which he was so dedicated. 50% of the funds will go to the Sussex Historic Churches Trust and the other half directly to St Bartholomew's Egdean.”

Along with hundreds of churches throughout West and East Sussex, St Bartholomew's Egdean will be open and will be manned on Ride + Stride day - Saturday 13th September. Participants can visit as many or as few churches as works for them. It is a great way to visit many of our very varied places of worship in Sussex.

as works for them. It is a great way to visit many of our very varied churches in Sussex.