County Durham dad raises thousands for charity with historical Battlewalk

A County Durham dad of 2 is raising thousands of pounds to for a mental health support charity - by taking on an epic historical fundraising challenge

Lewis Kirkbride is walking 250 miles in Anglo Saxon armour - all the way to Hastings - to raise cash for ManHealth - and he's already reached the £7000 mark.

Lewis said: “My hobbies and interests in history helped me get through some difficult times, yet COVID-19 has caused so many events and activities to be cancelled this year – it’s worrying to think about how many people are feeling isolated and cut off at the moment.

“The walk combines my interests with some really important issues, and gives me something to focus on – though I sometimes wonder what I’ve got myself into here!”

From Durham, Lewis, 37, is a father of two young boys, happily married with a successful career in a public support and advice role.

You can find out more about the Battlewalk here, and information about Manhealth here.

Lewis tells us why their work is so vital:

“Depression can strike anyone at anytime; I had a tough few years and couldn’t open up to family or friends – it wasn’t that they didn’t care, but things were complicated and taking the first step was a struggle. This is where ManHealth would have made a huge difference to me, had I known at the time.

“When I met Paul Bannister founder of ManHealth in 2018 and heard about the free peer support groups I thought then if this was something I’d known about it would definitely have helped me.”

Since its launch in 2018, ManHealth has opened 13 peer support groups across the region and has launched a webchat and connect service.

Lewis said: “ManHealth has launched a Webchat and Connect Service making it easier for men further isolated by the global pandemic and approaching crisis to access support.”

“I’ve always been interested in the Medieval period including the Anglo-Saxon era and was able to throw myself into this knowing my friends and family are behind me.

“I’ve been training hard sometimes 3,4 or 5 times a week, and people are starting to recognise me out and about – it’s a real boost when people I pass give a friendly shout or beep!

“I just hope that ManHealth can continue with their very important and vital network of free support for men who maybe struggling mentally.”