A mysterious benefactor, identified as a motorcyclist named James, has distributed gold and silver coins totaling approximately £100,000 to churches and schools in North Lancashire and Cumbria. The donations, which included gold Britannia coins, were made in July 2022 but have only recently come to light as recipients cashed in the gifts.
James, described as a devout Christian and a Hells Angel member, appears to have embarked on a charitable mission to disburse his wealth to ancient churches and their associated schools that he encountered during his travels. He often left the coins near altars or collection boxes, emphasizing his desire for anonymity. Only a few individuals have met him.
One recipient, teacher Rachel Stevenson at Quernmore Primary School, received ten 1oz gold coins, then valued at £1,000 each, along with three more left at the adjacent church. The school's share of the donation, £15,000, was used to purchase interactive whiteboards. Elsewhere, St Wilfrid's Church in Melling received nine gold Britannias, valued at £30,000, which have spurred local fundraising efforts to meet the £750,000 needed for urgent repairs.
The identity of the donor, referred to as 'James' in a visitor's book entry at St Wilfrid's, was pieced together by a Blackpool bullion dealership, Chards, where he was a long-term customer. Rochelle Garrad, Chards' head of operations, stated that James was local, in his 60s or 70s, and had expressed his religious beliefs to staff. He has not been in contact with Chards since 2023.
St Margaret's Church in Hornby received three gold coins, which fetched £8,000 and were used to repair damage caused by thieves who had stripped lead from the roof. At St John the Baptist Church in Tunstall, seven silver coins and one gold Britannia were found. These have since been sold for £3,500 to help preserve the church's stained-glass windows.
The value of the gold coins has significantly increased since their distribution in 2022. The face value of a 1oz Gold Britannia coin was £100 upon its introduction in 1987, but by 2022 they were trading at around £1,400. The recent soaring price of gold has meant that those who held onto their coins longer have reaped greater rewards.
The Bishop of Blackburn, the Right Rev Philip North, described the gifts' symbolic value as "absolutely massive," noting that they have provided support and reassurance to parishioners in small rural communities. He also called for state support for the upkeep of sparsely attended country churches, suggesting they could serve as community hubs.