UK Priests Raise Funds for Kajo Keji Health Centre

(BARLEY, LANCASHIRE) – The Bishop of Blackburn will lead more than 50 clergy wearing their dog collars as they tackle a muddy assault course to raise money for a Harvest appeal.

The Right Reverend Philip North and his priest team will take on the challenge at the Whitehough Outdoor Centre in Barley, Lancashire.

The event will see them taking on a series of obstacles to support the Jehovah Rapha Healthcare Centre in the Diocese of Liwolo, Kajo-Keji County in Central Equatoria State, South Sudan.

All donations for the healthcare centre will help to fund medicines, healthcare, solar lighting, clean water and support for frontline medical staff serving communities in Liwolo.

According to the Burnley Express, the centre is facing a growing health crisis after Medecins Sans Frontieres announced plans to withdraw all services from the area by the end of 2026.

According to the Diocese of Blackburn website, support for the local health centre in Liwolo ends in September, while hospital services will stop in December. Without this support, many communities will have no access to healthcare. The nearest medical facilities are hours away, and many families cannot reach them because of distance and cost.

The bishop said: “We try to do something different and fun every year to encourage as many contributions as possible to the Harvest Appeal.

“This time the idea is to invite clergy from across Lancashire to spend a Saturday morning wearing their dog collars while scrambling over obstacles, wading through mud and making complete spectacles of themselves.

“Thankfully, more than 50 have already said yes.”

North said that the appeal will help sustain “vital healthcare for some of the poorest and most vulnerable people in the world at a time of real need”.

He added: “A few muddy obstacles in Barley will be a minor challenge compared to the challenges being faced by the communities we’re supporting.”

According to the Burnley Express, the bishop also said there is room for more brave souls to sign up. He encouraged people to help by taking part, sponsoring or donating.

South Sudan is the world’s youngest nation, having gained independence from Sudan in 2011.

According to the UN Commission on Human Rights in South Sudan, the country is at risk of sliding back into full scale war. More than two million people have been forced to flee their homes within the country.

The Bishop of Liwolo, Joseph Aba, has issued an urgent humanitarian appeal. According to the Church of England Newspaper, about 10,000 civilians were displaced in the Liwolo area in July 2026, fleeing to places such as St Paul’s Cathedral for safety.

According to Christian Aid, its partner, the South Sudan Development and Relief Agency, is providing emergency cash assistance and other essentials to displaced families to help them buy basic items such as food, medicine and shelter.