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Jennie beats odds to become curate

Jonathon Dillon
17/ 3/2005

A BAXENDEN woman has defied the odds to become a curate at St Stephen's Church in Westminster.

Jennie Hogan, 29, was ordained by the Bishop of London after completing a three-year theology degree at Cambridge University.

It comes after she survived two life-threatening brain haemorrhages when she was 11 and 14.

Her delighted mum Pam, who lives with husband John in Scott Avenue, said: "The doctors said both times she would not pull through.

"It is remarkable. She has achieved and experienced so much despite her illness."

After attending The Hollins High School, Jennie went on to study French and Spanish at Goldsmith College before spending six months in Cuba.

Then she became interested in theology and took a 12-month course at Kings College, London, before joining the top university.

Pam, a teacher at Spring Hill Community Primary School in Accrington, continued: "We are so proud of her. She used to get a lot of comfort from religion after her illness and has gone from strength to strength.

"She is really enjoying herself in London.

"She gives sermons and she does a lot of pastoral work in the community, especially at Westminster School, teaching the children about confirmation.

"She keeps very busy and helps the vicar with the services."

The calling seems to run in the family as her grandad, Harold Holt, used to be vicar at Stonefold Church and later St Aiden's Church in Blackburn.

Jennie, who has an older sister Rebecca, is set to run the London Marathon on 17 April to raise much-needed cash for the Whizzkidz charity, which helps buy equipment for disabled children.

To sponsor her, log on to www.bmych.com/v/therunningreverend or contact Pamela on 397554.