A trustee for the Mothers’ Union in the north will be riding her bicycle through ten dioceses this summer, as the Mothers’ Union celebrates its 150th birthday.
Dr Deb Lee is the Mothers’ Union Zonal Trustee for the Province of York of the Church of England, which includes the Diocese of Leeds.
In June, she will be cycling from York Minster to St Paul’s Cathedral in London, visiting 10 dioceses on her route.
On her first day, Tuesday, June 2, she will be visiting Leeds Minster, arriving at 3.30pm for afternoon tea.
The Mothers’ Union will be holding a 150th Celebratory Service at St Paul’s Cathedral on Wednesday, June 10 at 5pm.
In 2026, the Mothers’ Union are celebrating 150 years since it was founded in the small parish church of Old Alresford, Hampshire, by Mary Sumner, a vicar’s wife with a bold vision.
She believed that women, regardless of class or status, could come together in faith to support one another and strengthen family life within the Church.
From that single spark of an idea, a global movement was born, and Mothers’ Union has grown to four million members across 84 countries.
As they look to the future members will continue working to improve the lives of individuals, families, and communities around the world.
At the heart of everything the organisation does remains their unwavering belief that faith and compassion can transform lives.
Daryl Kelly, Mothers’ Union President for our Leeds area, said: “We need this unique movement to continue for another 150 years as its work in Britain, Ireland and across the world improves lives.
“Its members identify need and then work as volunteers in their local communities to make significant progress.
“Our work focuses on reducing violence, poverty and injustice.
“Our literacy campaign has empowered women, transforming communities; we support parenting and those whose lives have met with adversity, offering holidays for those that need them; and we support prisoners and their families.”
To find our more about thew Mothers' Union's 150th anniversary, please click here.