As Ripon Cathedral opens for private prayer, volunteers are needed to help make 11,000 origami angels which will form an art installation in its nave.

‘A Wing and a Prayer’ was launched in early May in conjunction with the Yorkshire Air Ambulance. The aim of the project is to create an installation that fills the nave with angels bearing prayers for those who have lost their lives to the coronavirus and other front line staff risking their own lives.

So far the project has raised over £130,000 which will be split between the charity and the cathedral.

People are asked to send in their prayers via the cathedral website to remember a loved one or a key worker; the prayers will then be said by the clergy during services and will also be borne by the origami angels hanging in the nave. Those leaving a prayer are also invited to make a donation.

Margaret Hammond, development manager of Ripon Cathedral Development Trust said:

“A number of our cathedral volunteers  (like Malcolm Hansom, pictured below) have already come forward and together with volunteers from Yorkshire Air Ambulance have made an amazing 2,000 origami angels."



Margaret added:

"However, with at least 11,000 angels to create over the next month this is a huge challenge and we are now seeking more volunteers to get involved. Perhaps if you are shielding and have some spare time during lockdown you could help? Making the first origami angel may seem complicated but they become easier once you have made two or three!”

From 1st August, visitors and donors will have the opportunity to come and see the display – reflecting how people from the community have come together during these uncertain times to support one another.

Read more:

• Cathedral re-opens for private prayer
  

• Bungee training keeps Ripon champion swimmer fit

Dean John, added:

Further details about the Wing and A Prayer appeal and how to support it, are available on the Ripon Cathedral website.