A PASTOR who worked in local schools and introduced a shoebox appeal to Herefordshire has died aged 78.

Brian Hodges was the leader and pastor at Lugwardine Chapel and Christian fellowship, and worked within the Christian community in Hereford for many decades.

Mr Hodges also completed outreach work in local schools and the assemblies he delivered, and for collecting the Operation Christmas Child, Samaritans Purse Shoe boxes.

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Together with his wife Elizabeth, who passed away in 2011, Brian first introduced the shoebox collections to the county where they had their humble beginnings at the Chapel in Lugwardine, later travelling with the organisation to deliver boxes to children.

During the 70s and 80s Mr Hodges worked in Italy, and supported efforts by the British Red Cross during the rescue attempts following a devastating Earthquake.

Due to Covid-19 restrictions the funeral will be for immediate family members only however those who wish to remember Mrs Hodges are welcome to visit a memorial page started by his family, and may share their memories or donate towards a fundraising effort to create an appropriate and lasting memorial at his beloved chapel.

A short tribute to his life's work and fundraising effort can be found at https://www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/brianhodges?utm_term=PeG5w9vrZ

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