A HISTORY lover revived an ancient Anglo-Saxon tradition to help raise funds in aid of people with mental health issues.

Ste Lingard, who is a trustee of St Helens Mind followed the old custom of 'beating the bounds', walking a 46-mile route along the borough's boundary to raise funds for the organisation.

The tradition which dates back more than 1,000 years before the Norman invasion saw people perambulate the boundaries of their parish, as communities came together for a jovial experience. It is still observed in some English and Welsh parishes.

Starting at 4.30am at the Game Bird, Ste was joined by retired policeman Alan Buckley, deputy head teacher Rob Downey, dad John, Rainhill rotary club member Ian Howitt, brother-in-law Martin Ballard and Paul Pennington, fellow trustee of St Helens Mind for various stages of the trek.

In total Ste, 41, walked for 16 hours finishing back at the Game Bird shortly before 9pm to be greeted by mayor and mayoress Cllr Joe and Sylvia Pearson.

For Ste, who has previously raised £1,700 for Mind nationally by walking 300 miles from York to Hastings, mental health is an especially important issue.

"My best friend from school suffered with depression in the years after school, in the 1990s, and was diagnosed with schizophrenia, he died in 2000," said Ste, from Parr.

"I have direct experience of several other friends who suffered, and continue to suffer, with depression and witnessing their struggles has taught me a lot about the misery it causes.

"Mental health support is sorely under-funded and needs all the help it can get."

He added: "I consider myself very lucky not have suffered from mental health issues, and feel a sense of responsibility to try to do something – however small – to help, having seen the damage they can cause.

"That certainly helped keep me going, as physical fatigue is nothing compared to depression, anxiety and related conditions."

Ste, who runs a research consultancy, said the day revving the old custom was a great success.

"It perhaps seems a quaint concept today, when many of us act in communities of interest more than of geography," he added.

"I raised £800 so far. I don’t have a target, but having got this close to £1,000 it would be very good reach that amount."

See uk.virginmoneygiving.com/SteLingard to donate.