A CHRISTIAN who got on his bike to beat the recession has donated the £1,000 savings he made to his church.
Roland Platt, 61, cycles 18 miles a day from his home in Headley Chase, Warley, to work in Dagenham and back.
When the recession took hold in 2008, the motorist decided he needed to tighten his belt and in this year alone he believes he has saved £1,000 by cycling 2,700 miles instead of filling his car with fuel.
But despite braving the elements to save the pennies, the regular at Brentwood's St Thomas Church felt his funds would be better spent keeping the congregation warm and dry.
Last month the Gazette reported how The Reverend Colin Hewitt had given the go-ahead to builders to begin roof repair works costing £50,000, despite the coffers being £14,000 short.
Mr Platt said: "I needed to make these savings two or three years ago when things were really tight for me financially.
"I continue to cycle in order to save on travel costs, to keep fit and because it is an eco-friendly way of travelling.
"I passed my cycling proficiency 50 years ago and have always enjoyed cycling. I now do more miles on the bike than in the car.
"This year, I thought I could afford to donate my savings to the church as the roof urgently needs repairing. If it is not repaired now, it is going to cost the church a lot more in the long run.
"I am pleased to be able to put this money towards the work. If anyone else has made savings like this, I would urge them to consider donating it to the church too."
Mr Hewitt described Mr Platt as a "great example".
He added: "We are very grateful to Roland and to others who have come up with ingenious ways of raising funds.
"He has not only been generous but he has also been green."
To donate to the church, call 01227 225700 or 01277 22616.
