As a vicar, his job involves a lot of talking. 

So for Rev Andrew Whitehead, the vicar at St Agnes church in Cawston, staying silent for 24 hours wasn't easy. 

But for Sexual Abuse and Sexual Violence Awareness Week (5 to 11 February) he managed to complete his day of silence - raising almost £1,000 for the Sue Lambert Trust.

North Norfolk News: Revd Andrew Whitehead, the vicar at St Agnes church in CawstonRevd Andrew Whitehead, the vicar at St Agnes church in Cawston (Image: Rebecca Whitehead)

"The church in Cawston is dedicated to St Agnes and we celebrated her feast day in January," Mr Whitehead said.

"Agnes was killed for her beliefs in fourth century Rome and the abusive and humiliating manner of her death led to her becoming the patron saint of those who have survived sexual violence.

"I was keen to see what positive things the church could do as a response to the story of St Agnes, and I came across the sponsored silence campaign by the Sue Lambert Trust.

"I signed up to take part and have been blown away by people’s generosity - the total is getting close to £1000, which will pay for essential counselling for those who have experienced sexual violence in Norfolk."

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North Norfolk News: A carved timber figure of St Agnes from high up in the roof of the church in CawstonA carved timber figure of St Agnes from high up in the roof of the church in Cawston (Image: Andrew Whitehead)

Sue Lambert Trust is the leading charity in Norfolk to offer free therapeutic counselling and support services to survivors of sexual violence and abuse.

Mr Whitehead completed his 24 hour silence across February 4 and 5. 

"As a vicar, my job involves a lot of talking, so it was far from easy to stay silent," he said. 

"I admit that I did slip a couple of times in the day, but I made sure I did some extra time at the end to make up for my mistakes. 

"Taking part in the silence really made me reflect on how much we take our voices for granted - we’re so used to being able to say whatever we want, whenever we want to.

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"Spending 24 hours in silence made me think a lot about those in society who feel voiceless."

To donate, visit Mr Whitehead's 'I'm going silent for the Sue Lambert Trust' Just Giving page.