Pope blesses 'inspirational' husband and wife

Pope Leo has honoured a husband and wife from Surrey for their voluntary work.

Julian and Jo Lewry, from Godalming, received a papal blessing on Sunday for their fundraising work for the Catholic Agency for Overseas Development (Cafod).

Speaking to the BBC ahead of the honour, Jo said they were "very, very excited", but that the accolade was "not really for us - it is for all the parish".

Christine Allen, director of Cafod, said: "Our volunteers continue to inspire all of us through their service."

Jo said the couple had raised several thousand pounds every year for Cafod for more than 30 years.

But added that without the support of the parish "we wouldn't have been able to make that money".

She said it had been spent on a "range of different projects" around the world, including providing clean water for communities and helping farmers adapt to climate change.

The couple have also raised funds for emergency appeals following natural disasters, organising quiz nights, Pink Floyd tribute concerts, cake sales and sponsored walks.

"We have been involved in the make poverty history campaign and Debt Justice... to make people aware of some of the global issues that are happening," added Jo.

The couple received the accolade – a certificate – at their local church, and were planning to put it on the wall.

"It's a great honour, a real privilege, that we've been recognised in this way," Jo added.

"We would love to support [Cafod] for as long as we are able to."

Allen added: "It's such an honour for anyone to receive Pope Leo's blessing and this highlights the significant role that volunteers play in strengthening communities and building a better world. "

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