TRURO Cathedral has launched a £3.2 million appeal to undertake urgent repairs to its roof.

The existing roof has been in place since the nave was completed in 1908. Over the 107 years, the weather has taken its toll and though some slates have been replaced, the original slates have deteriorated to the point they all now need replacing.

In total, it will take five years and £3.2 million to undertake the required works. In October 2014, the Cathedral received a Government grant of £500,000 towards the project, leaving a total of £2.7 million to be raised between now and 2020.

The Dean of Truro, the Very Reverend Roger Bush, said: “There are already holes in the roof and so it is a priority to undertake the repairs as soon as possible in order to make the building watertight once more. If the work is not undertaken, the holes will grow larger and more damage will occur internally. Many people don’t realise that Truro Cathedral is a self-funded entity separate from the Diocese of Truro and is entirely reliant on donations from supporters and visitors. As Cornwall’s only cathedral, it is vital we launch this appeal to raise the extra funds needed to preserve this special building.”

The work will be undertaken in phases, the first of these starting this summer on the Western Arm of the Nave and costing £900,000. The grant will be used for this phase, leaving £400,000 to raise in the remainder of 2015.

“Obviously with so much to raise, this launch is really marking the start of our appeal activities. There are already lots of exciting plans in progress so do look out for further Roof Appeal updates over the coming weeks and months.”

Truro Cathedral has been working very closely with specialist architects, Purcell, and the team at Cwt-y-Bugail Quarry in North Wales to plan the large-scale project precisely.

To make a donation to the Truro Cathedral Roof Appeal, visit: justgiving.com/trurocathedral and click on ‘Truro Cathedral Roof Appeal’.