CHURCHGOERS are invited to support a musical challenge being undertaken by organist Margaret Done.

An organ-playing marathon by Margaret 20 years ago raised £2,400 for the charity Action for Children by performing at 18 local Methodist churches.

Two decades on she is hoping to repeat the feat, although this time she will be playing at 21 churches over 13 hours.

The Hymnathon takes place this Saturday, July 12, starting at Northwich Methodist Church at 8am and ending at Barnton Methodist Church at 9pm.

People are invited to sponsor Margaret, who has been the organist at Barnton Methodist Church for 39 years, at the churches or online at virginmoneygiving.com/MargaretDone.

Margaret, 72, lives in Runcorn Road, Little Leigh, and is the Action for Children co-ordinator in the Northwich Methodist Circuit. She hopes this year’s event will raise £2,000.

She undertook the challenge in 1994 to mark the charity’s 125th anniversary, and was planning a similar event for the 150th celebration.

“I would like to have done it in five years, but I am getting older and didn’t know whether I would have the stamina, so decided to do it this year,” she said.

Margaret will be playing the organ, piano or keyboard, and at each church will play the 10 favourite hymns or songs chosen by the congregation.

She will be at each church for 25 minutes, and will be driven between each venue by Ann Fletcher, who attends Bartington Methodist Chapel.

“The event will bring people together, and the congregations are very welcome to join in with the hymns,” said Margaret.

The churches to be visited are Northwich, Castle, Hartford, Comberbach, Pickmere, Plumley, Lostock Green, Shurlach, Davenham, Moulton, St Andrews (Winsford), Weaver (Winsford), Chester Road (Winsford), Trinity (Winsford), Little Budworth, Sandiway, Cuddington, Weaverham C of E/ Methodist, Acton Bridge, Bartington and Barnton.

If you would like to attend the finale Barnton Methodist Church is hosting a folk concert by Barnton residents John and Ailsa Booth at 7.30pm.

Margaret will join the event at about 8.40pm if everything goes to plan. There is no charge, but donations for the charity are welcomed.