MEMBERS of the local community helped Portsmouth Cathedral to raise £120,000 for landmark repairs to its belfry.

The cathedral's 'Top up the Tower' campaign reached its fundraising target, securing the funds needed to carry out essential repairs to our cathedral's historic belfry.

The appeal was launched earlier this year to raise the final funds required for urgent conservation work to one of Portsmouth's most recognisable landmarks. The project will safeguard the cathedral's timber belfry, helping to protect an iconic feature of Portsmouth's skyline for future generations.

Support for the appeal came from a wide range of donors, including charitable foundations, members of the congregation, visitors, local supporters and generous anonymous benefactors.

The Very Revd Dr Anthony Cane, Dean of Portsmouth, said: "We are enormously grateful to everyone who has supported this appeal. Every gift, whether large or small, has helped us reach this important milestone. Portsmouth Cathedral belongs to the whole city, and it is wonderful to see so many people coming together to help preserve this much-loved landmark for future generations."

The belfry, which sits atop the cathedral tower overlooking Portsmouth Harbour, requires specialist repair and conservation work to address deterioration caused by age and exposure to the coastal environment.

Completing the repairs this year is particularly important. The work can be carried out by specialist steeplejacks without the need for extensive scaffolding of the entire Cathedral, helping to avoid significantly higher costs in the future.

Sarah King, Head of Fundraising at Portsmouth Cathedral, said: "This campaign has shown just how much people value Portsmouth Cathedral and its place in the life of our city. We have been overwhelmed by the generosity of our supporters and are incredibly thankful to everyone who has helped make these repairs possible.

"Reaching this target means that essential work can now go ahead to protect an important part of Portsmouth's heritage. While this achievement secures funding for the Belfry repairs, Portsmouth Cathedral continues to rely on the generosity of supporters to sustain its worship, music, heritage, education and community work."

As our cathedral approaches its centenary in 2027, the repairs will help ensure that this important heritage asset continues to serve as a place of worship, learning, music, culture and community life. Work is expected to begin later this year, and updates on the project will be shared as the repairs progress.