Father in full armour with sword and spear met with applause as he marches through Yorkshire on mission over mental health

Soldiering in the footsteps of ancient kings, father Lewis Kirkbride has been met with applause as he marches through Yorkshire on a mission over mental health.
By Ruby Kitchen
Published 28th Sep 2020, 06:00 BST
Updated 28th Sep 2020, 09:56 BST

Mr Kirkbride, walking in full armour from Goole to Hepworth yesterday, and on to Gainsbrough today, has now raised nearly £9,000 on JustGiving for peer support group ManHealth.

His 20-day medieval challenge sees him following in the footsteps of King Harold ll who, having defeated a Viking army near York on September 25, 1066, headed south 300 miles to Hastings to defend his country from Norman invaders on October 14.

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Mr Kirkbride from Durham, in chainmail armour weighing four-and-a-half stone and armed with sword and spear, hopes his march will inspire other men to get talking.

Lewis Kirkbride, from Durham, setting off from Bubwith to Goole on day two of his solo march of 300 miles from York to Hastings wearing 4-stone of armour echoing the famous battle of 1066, to raise awareness and donations for a mental health peer support organisation called ManHealth. Image: James HardistyLewis Kirkbride, from Durham, setting off from Bubwith to Goole on day two of his solo march of 300 miles from York to Hastings wearing 4-stone of armour echoing the famous battle of 1066, to raise awareness and donations for a mental health peer support organisation called ManHealth. Image: James Hardisty
Lewis Kirkbride, from Durham, setting off from Bubwith to Goole on day two of his solo march of 300 miles from York to Hastings wearing 4-stone of armour echoing the famous battle of 1066, to raise awareness and donations for a mental health peer support organisation called ManHealth. Image: James Hardisty

Likening mental health problems to the battles of war, he said such challenges can invade lives and attack from all sides.

As he marched along farm tracks yesterday, he was joined by passers-by who welcomed him with applause and refreshments to help him on his way.

“It’s not been without its challenges weatherwise, but what has carried me along is people along the way,” he said. “Despite the grim weather, it helps the miles roll by with kindness.

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“It’s never been more important. A lot of people don’t have anywhere to go, even if they do reach out. This can make a difference. That first step is really important.”

Lewis Kirkbride, from Durham, setting off from Bubwith to Goole on day two of his solo march of 300 miles from York to Hastings wearing 4-stone of armour echoing the famous battle of 1066, to raise awareness and donations for a mental health peer support organisation called ManHealth. Image: James HardistyLewis Kirkbride, from Durham, setting off from Bubwith to Goole on day two of his solo march of 300 miles from York to Hastings wearing 4-stone of armour echoing the famous battle of 1066, to raise awareness and donations for a mental health peer support organisation called ManHealth. Image: James Hardisty
Lewis Kirkbride, from Durham, setting off from Bubwith to Goole on day two of his solo march of 300 miles from York to Hastings wearing 4-stone of armour echoing the famous battle of 1066, to raise awareness and donations for a mental health peer support organisation called ManHealth. Image: James Hardisty
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Related topics:YorkshireYorkGoole