Father Malcolm prepares with helper Michael McReanney on the scaffold stairway which was erected yesterday (Wednesday) in readiness for the vigil |
Vicar on the roof prepares with ‘sidekick’
A DARING priest who plans to camp on his church roof next week was busy making plans with his ‘sidekick’ yesterday (Wednesday).
Father Malcolm Hunter, vicar at St Michael’s church in Camden Road, Camden Town, was joined by Michael McReanney, a homeless man who will be sleeping under the stars with him from next Thursday.
Fr Malcolm, who will sleep on the roof for 10 days, hopes to raise £100,000 for building repairs.
Mr McReanney, an ex-military man from Liverpool, has lived on the streets for five years after splitting up with his partner.
A familiar face in Camden Town, he is often seen with his dog Charlie. Explaining his decision to help out Fr Malcolm, he said: “I want to see this place back on its feet and I owe Fr Malcolm so much.”
Mr McReanney, 49, described by Fr Malcolm as his “right-hand man”, will be ferrying the priest’s meals to him and emptying his chamber pot every morning. He said: “It’s got to be done – it’s part and parcel of the job. I’ll do it with a smile on my face.” Fr Malcolm joked: “It’ll be good fertiliser for the garden.”
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