A SURVIVOR of domestic abuse has led a band of fund-raisers on a 13-mile walk across Barnsley to raise money for the charity that helped her through her ordeal.
Marie Archer, 41, led the group of volunteers and customers from the Community Shop in Athersley North on the walk.
The walkers marched from the shop to Priory Campus in Lundwood, on to Kendray Hospital and back whilst dressed in eye-catching onesies and pyjamas.
Marie organised the walk to raise money for Pathways, the counselling service which she said helped her through her battle with the mental health issues that came as a result of being a victim of domestic abuse.
Some of the money raised will also go to the South West Yorkshire Partnership NHS Foundation Trust.
Marie, of Beeston Square, Athersley North, said: “We just want to raise funds so people know they don’t have to suffer in silence like I did.
“I was on my own when I needed help and I don’t want anyone else to feel like that.
”Pathways aren’t funded, they rely on donations like this.”
The team have raised more than £300 so far, mainly through donations from customers.
Marie is currently training to be a community leader with the shop, and said working there has brought her out of the depression she suffered after her experience of domestic abuse, which started 14 years ago.
“It’s brought me out of my depression,” Marie added. “I had an unpleasant time, I never came out of the house, but I’m coming here and meeting a lot more vulnerable people as well who are sharing their stories.
“It’s all good at the minute.”
