THE "overwhelming" and generous response to the Review's fundraising bid to repair damage caused by vandals at St Michael's Church is well on its way to reaching the halfway mark of £25,000.

Our Raise the Roof appeal was launched on Friday, October 9 – just days after lead was stolen from the top of the 1,000-year-old St Albans church.

Unfortunately the mindless act carried out by vandals in the early hours of Tuesday, October 6, left the roof open for torrential rain to pour in.

The financial gain from the sale of lead, the sole purpose of its theft, was possibly a small fraction compared to the £50,000 plus repair bill the vicar was faced with.

The Rt Reverend Brett Gray spoke of his devastation following the damage caused by vandals and how his main concern was where he would find the money to restore the church.

We stepped in to lend a much-needed helping hand and lead the fundraising. More than a week later the community had responded with open arms and the Raise the Roof appeal had received £5,000.

One month on, Reverend Gray continues to thank us for our support while mentioning a £10,000 pledge from one member of the St Albans community to add to the £14,000 total.

Speaking to the Review today he said: “We have had a promise of a large donation from a member of the public.

“The response as a whole has been overwhelming. I have received some very big donations from people who I know are not very wealthy – who have sacrificially donated to help out and it's been amazing.”

A £7,000 temporary roof was installed at the church in order to allow services to resume after a number of funerals and the harvest festival were cancelled. Replacing the roof with a new one, however, will not become a reality without your support.

Reverend Gray added: “Our main concern is still the security. We have been advised by the police that the thieves have been once and they could come back.

“We are having to look at installing a sophisticated CCTV system which is now another expense.

“People have been exceptionally generous but we still have a long way to go. The Review's help is very much appreciated.”

Send your donations, with cheques made payable to St Michael's Church, to: The Vicarage, St Michael's Church, St Michael's Street, St Albans AL3 4SL.