Father Bill Serplus has raised an impressive £2,395 for York Mind with a challenging 25-mile coastal walk from Whitby to Redcar.

The parish priest of St Aelred’s in York came up with the idea after being asked what he would do for his annual sponsored event.

“Everyone at this time is under some kind of mental stress and we all need support, which Mind give so generously,” said parishioner Kath Stubbs.

“After days of wind and rain, in answer to prayers, the day of the walk the clouds and rain ceased and the coastal views were fantastic.

“Parishioners who had been encouraging and were sponsoring him certainly appreciated the photographs he sent to the parish WhatsApp group during his walk.

“One even using the sunrise for her Christmas card image. It was obviously a hard slog at times, but 25 miles later Father Bill still had a smile and a great sense of achievement. “The money raised will be most welcome, especially at this time when people’s financial concerns are heightened, which makes it all the more amazing.”