John Beck, Dean of Christchurch Cathedral in New Zealand which was badly damaged in an earthquake in February, announced today that he has received both a letter of support and a donation of £110,300 from Canterbury Cathedral towards the costs of rebuilding. The letter was handed over by Prince William during his visit to New Zealand in March.

The gift is the sum raised from personal donations by individual members of Canterbury Cathedral’s Appeal Committee. The grant is being made through The Kent Community Foundation as a special service.

In the letter, Canterbury Cathedral Appeal Chairman Richard Oldfield says: “This is a personal donation by members of the Canterbury Cathedral Appeal Committee in the UK. In the midst of our own large appeal for conservation we want to make a contribution to the vital rebuilding of Christchurch Cathedral, and send this donation with our sympathy and best wishes”

This donation comes in addition to a promise of £5,000 from The Dean and Chapter of Canterbury towards the restoration of Christchurch Cathedral.

The Cathedral in New Zealand shares the same dedication – Christchurch – as Canterbury Cathedral in the United Kingdom. While no one was trapped in the Cathedral after February’s earthquake, the building itself was severely damaged by the collapse of its spire, a landmark in the city, and several parts of the roof.

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