A RETREAT house on the Holy Island of Lindisfarne has launched an appeal to raise funds for urgent repair work to keep it open.

Marygate House has been serving visitors to the island since 1970, when it was bought as a non-profit-making retreat house by the then Vicar of Holy Island and some residents. It is now run by a small trust, and welcomes thousands of people each year, including individuals in search of rest and solace, and parish and group retreats.

But the battering winter winds and rain have taken their toll, and the property is now suffering from extensive damp, which means that several of the nine bedrooms cannot be used for guests.

The Revd Frances Wilson, a former parish priest on Tyneside, became Warden of Marygate last year. She said: “The particularly bad weather and storms experienced this winter has meant the exterior render has cracked and the damp is coming into the property. The house is only heated by storage heaters. We have someone ready to repair the render, but need to raise funds urgently for the work to start this summer.

“The trustees have exciting plans to reimagine the property to make it more sustainable and accessible, but, before we can start fund-raising for this, we have to carry out this urgent work.

“We know lots of people who love the island, and this place, and know how important this retreat house is for people who need it for their health, to de-stress. We get calls from people who need to come up urgently, needing to get away, and I want them to be able to come here to experience the love and peace. I hope some of the people who love this place feel able to make a small donation; some of the islanders and retreat guests have already raised 38 per cent of the money, and we just need another £18,500 for the work to start.”

The house will stay open for retreats while the work is being carried out.

A crowdfunder has been set up for donations for the repair work.

www.justgiving.com/crowdfunding/Marygate-House