On Sunday 19th May, a local man will be taking to the streets as he walks over 52 miles to help raise money for Willowbrook Hospice.
Keen walker and lifelong Saints fan, Jed Westhead, 51, from Dentons Green will be joining others as they take part in ‘Beating the bounds’ – a revival of an ancient custom where a group of old and young members of the community would walk the boundaries of the parish, usually led by the parish priest and church officials, to share the knowledge of where they lay, and to pray for protection and blessings for the lands.
Jed who walked in last year’s event as part of the 150 year anniversary celebration of St Helens said: “When I took part in Beating the bounds 2018, people kept asking if I was doing it for charity which I wasn’t. Living in St Helens you hear a lot about the great work the hospice does in caring for local people and their families. Unfortunately, many people don’t realise that Willowbrook isn’t part of the NHS but is a charity which needs every penny it can get in order to keep providing its’ services. That’s why as soon as the date for the 2019 Beating the bounds was announced I immediately thought of Willowbrook and here we are!”
Although the Beating the bounds walk is 42.5 miles long, starting from and finishing at the Junction pub in Rainford, Jed will be walking from his home to the starting point and back again, adding an extra 10 miles!
Jed continues: “I’ve been amazed by the generosity of the people who’ve sponsored me. To date I’ve raised over £1180 – all of which will go towards helping local people and their families. I’m really looking forward to Beating the bounds as I love setting out really early for a walk and watching the sun rise then watching the sun set on the way back plus meeting lots of different people along the way.”
To support Jed in his challenge and to help raise money for Willowbrook Hospice, please visit: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/jedwesthead
