A PARISH priest will be sprinting up and down a hill while carrying a heavy sack in Tetbury's Woolsack Races on Bank Holiday Monday.

Father Nnamdi Isidore Obi of St Michael’s Parish in Tetbury will be taking part in the annual races to raise money for his charity Achieve Africa.

The priest, who is an avid runner and cyclist, said he was “terribly nervous” about running the races for the first time.

He said tongue-in-cheek: “I wish I didn’t sign up! I’ve run on my own but I have not had a sack. I’m not running to win."

The 41-year-old who lives in Cirencester (pictured below) said he usually runs five miles and cycles every week for personal fitness, but during the past week, he has been training every day to prepare for the event.

His love for running comes from his need to stay fit and healthy, both physically and mentally.

His decision to take part this year was because he had been told by residents over the past few years to get involved.

“They probably think I am fit,” he joked but later added, “My parishioners do understand my passionate appeal for my charity in Africa.

“It’s about special needs children. Children with mental health disabilities. We hope money raised for this particular event will go into a project.”

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The priest, who has been serving the Tetbury area for four years, said: “I’m looking forward to doing it. I’m a bit anxious but at the same time it is for a good cause.

“It’s a way of saying I want to be part of the community.

“If I survive it, I might try it again.”

Achieve Africa supports the most vulnerable African children through projects and programmes of health and education.

The charity are currently supporting the needy children in the South East of Nigeria, many of who are disabled, abandoned and homeless.

The charity are happy to partner with any schools, businesses and other organisations to help support the most vulnerable children in Africa.

If anyone would like to support Father Obi, contact Elaine Wright, parish administrator by calling 01285 652087 or emailing contact@achieve-africa.org.uk.

The Woolsack Races, a popular annual event in Tetbury, involves runners and cyclists sprinting up and down Gumstool Hill.

The Veloton cycle sprint will take place at 11.30am, with finals at 1.15pm.

The children’s races, with pupils from St Mary’s, Rodmarton and Avening primary schools competing, will take place at 12.15pm.

Adult races will take place from 2pm onwards and will be followed by the prize giving ceremony at the top of Gumstool Hill.

This year, the Men’s Individual Race time will be dedicated to Richard Avis - a longtime Woolsack Committee member who will be sadly missed.