the short York literary walk

Over 7 days, I'll walk 25 miles in the footsteps of York's literary greats. I'm doing this to raise money for Mentally Fit York -- an amazing charity that's more important than ever right now.

I'll be sharing my route, and details of York's incredible literary heritage, as I go, as a way of promoting the crucial contribution that literature and the Arts make to our individual and collective wellbeing. And though walking 25 miles in a week may not sound that hard, rest assured I'll be hampered in creative and delightful style by my four-year old daughter.

Please sponsor me as a way of donating to an amazing cause, and to join my journey along York's literary highways and by-ways.

Who are you?

I'm Professor Helen Smith, Head of the Department of English and Related Literature at the University of York, and a scholar of Renaissance literature, culture and thought.

Where will the money go?

All the money I raise will go to directly to support Mentally Fit York.

Mental ill-health doesn't discriminate and right now, mental health has never been more important as the social implications of coronavirus begin to unravel. My walk will be in aid of the Mentally Fit York Fund, which will promote good mental health both at the University and across the city of York. Your support will be used to fund initiatives such as 24/7 mental health support for York student and research projects looking to further our understanding of mental health issues and the barriers to accessing support services.

Your support may also go towards providing Mental Health Nursing Scholarships, helping to ensure that the NHS is equipped to deal with the increased demand for mental healthcare as we start to become more comfortable in including discussions of mental health when we talk about our health and wellbeing in our communities.

track my footsteps

on twitter, by following @conversiontales (me) or @UoYEnglish (our amazing department).

Help us succeed!

You don't need to donate to help raise money for this great cause -- please share this fundraising campaign with family and friends.