At The Bridge Project, we are deeply grateful for the wonderful people who have helped shape our ministry over the past 33 years.
Just a few weeks ago, our team reflected on Hebrews 12:1 and the “great cloud of witnesses” who have gone before us, whose lives of faith continue to inspire us today. One such person was our dear friend, Gill Riley.
A former primary school teacher, Gill dedicated over ten years to faithfully serving the Bridge. Her passion was sharing the good news of Jesus with children, bringing Bible stories to life through collective worship and after-school clubs, including over five years at Dinton Primary School. Her energy, faith and extraordinary Bible knowledge touched countless young lives across Salisbury.
And Gill's legacy lives on.
In a final act of remarkable generosity, Gill remembered the Bridge in her will, leaving a legacy gift that we wanted to honour in a special way.
At the time, we were developing a fresh identity, a new website and a renewed vision for the future. What better way to honour Gill's faithfulness than by using her gift to help tell the Bridge's story and invest in the next chapter of our ministry?
Even today, our chaplains walk through the doors of many of the same schools Gill served, including St Martin's, Broad Chalke, Wilton, St Nicholas, Porton, Alderbury and West Grimstead, and many others.
The generations may have changed, but the heart of our ministry remains the same: seeing young lives transformed by being seen, known and loved.
We give thanks to God for Gill's extraordinary life, her unwavering faith and her enduring generosity. What a wonderful example of a life that continues to bear fruit!
Would you consider leaving a legacy too?
Like Gill, you could help ensure that future generations of children and young people experience the love, hope and encouragement at the heart of the Bridge, whether through relational chaplaincy in local schools or through our third space work with young people in Salisbury. If you'd ever like to explore leaving a gift in your will, we'd be delighted to have a conversation!
Thank you, Gill. Your faithfulness continues to inspire us, and your legacy lives on.
Bridge Team 2013, Gill Riley between Louise Pearce and Di Webb.
