A CAMPAIGNER walking from Land's End to John'O Groats has brought his fundraising challenge to Bolton.

Steve Carr, from Swindon, set off from Land's End on February 1 on a 1,000 mile challenge to raise money and awareness on mental health issues and homelessness.

The 39-year-old, who has been affected by mental health issues and homelessness, started out with a £100 budget and sleeping in a tent each night.

He arrived in Bolton on Monday evening.

He said: "The reception I've received in Bolton has been really fantastic. The people I've spoken to have been really receptive to what I'm doing.

"People have been very empathetic towards me and have helped out as I've been going along, which goes to show there is help out there if you ask for it.

"Unfortunately I've gone through both mental health issues and I'm homeless as it is right now. My bag is my home.

"This whole journey is unplanned, I have no time target or date to reach the end, I don't know what is going to happen day to day.

"My message is do not give in, having nothing is not necessarily a bad thing. You can create something out of nothing and aspire to go out there and give life a go."

Mr Carr's life took a tragic turn at the age of 15 when his brother was killed, along with four other children, after a motorist lost control of his car and crashed into the group of youngsters.

His parents then split up and he later turned to alcohol and drugs.

Despite gaining work in his 20s, he returned to drug use and lost his job, friends and home on a £100 a day cocaine habit.

Seeking help and counselling, he has been able to turn his life around and wants to use his experiences to raise awareness and encourage positivity in others.

During his 1,000 mile journey across the UK, Mr Carr has survived on donations and help from people offering a a hot meal and roof for the night, as well as sleeping outdoors in a tent.

He is fundraising online throughout the challenge.

To donate go to www.mindcanyon.com.