An author who was given electric shock treatment at the former High Royds psychiatric hospital after being wrongly diagnosed with schizophrenia has backed a campaign in memory of 3,000 former patients.

Jean Davison, 59, was a patient at the day hospital of the former asylum in Menston, with Derek Hutchinson, who is behind a campaign to build a lasting memorial to those buried in unmarked graves at a site in Buckle Lane.

The Friends of High Royds Memorial Garden, led by Mr Hutchinson, want to see a derelict chapel on the site transformed into a centre to give information about the history of the former West Riding Pauper Lunatic Asylum, which later became known as High Royds.

A garden with a plaque carrying the names of each of the 2,861 people buried in pauper’s graves is also planned.

Mrs Davison, who has written a memoir, The Dark Threads, of her experiences at High Royds, said the friends’ campaign brought back memories.

In 1968, Mrs Davison had gone to High Royds as a voluntary patient because she “wanted someone to talk to”. She spent four months as an in-patient.

She said: “It makes me think of all the people in the past who have suffered there.”

The Friends are hoping businesses will back the garden project. Scaffolding and timber to replace roof joists in the old chapel are especially needed. To help, call Mark Davis on 07833 110110. For further information visit highroydshospital.co.uk.

e-mail: marc.meneaud@telegraphandargus.co.uk