Pensioner aged 90 is walking 90 lengths of Hythe Pier to raise money to help fund its renovation.

A PENSIONER is aiming to walk 90 lengths of the half-mile long Hythe Pier to raise money to help fund its renovation.

Ninety-year-old Margaret Blake says her challenge is “fairly daunting” due to the fact she broke her hip two years ago, but is determined to finish it by 15th September.

The money she raises will be used to help Hythe Men’s Shed and the Hythe Pier Association renovate the site.

She said: “This will enable the Hythe Ferry to continue its historic and important link to Southampton. Our help and support is crucial and by raising funds they can continue their good work.”

After moving to Hythe from Marchwood with husband Roy 60 years ago, the grandmother of two and great-grandmother of five became a firm fan of the Hythe ferry.

She used to commute daily to work at British Telecom near Town Quay in the city and for regular shopping trips, always marvelling at the “good reliable service whatever the weather, including the heavy snow of the 60s”.

Margaret said: “In 17 years the pleasant staff made sure I was never once late for work.”

Keen to raise funds for the pier, her original plan was to abseil down the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth. She had booked and paid to do this, however having just recovered fully form her broken hip just 18 months previously, she was persuaded by her family this was “not a good idea” and reluctantly agreed to attempt to walk 90 lengths of the pier instead.

Margaret has now completed 78 of her planned 90 lengths and has already exceeded her fundraising target of £900.

To donate, visit: https://www.justgiving.com/page/margaret-blake-1722355134250?utm_term=bEQMpZrzP