Marathon Walk for Thames Valley Air Ambulance
1518. Ruth Saunders
Ruth Saunders, aged 104, from Berkshire, has been inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore to take daily walks covering the distance of a marathon, raising over £30,000 for Thames Valley Air Ambulance.
Ruth originally set out to walk 104 laps around her local streets to help stave off boredom during lockdown and keep active, completing one lap for every year of her age, totalling a distance of approximately 21 miles. After encouragement from her family, she decided to extend her goal to cover a full marathon distance of 26.2 miles and raise money for Thames Valley Air Ambulance, a charity close to her heart after they treated her son for a broken leg.
In a personal letter to Ruth, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said:
“Congratulations on completing your marathon walk!
“I am lost in admiration for how, at the age of 104, you have walked 104 times around your local area raising funds for Thames Valley Air Ambulance.
“Like Captain Sir Tom before you, you are an inspiration to us all and a symbol of optimism for our nation.”
Ruth said:
“I am very honoured to receive this award, however, I did not do my marathon for all the attention.
“The Thames Valley Air Ambulance have received a considerable sum due to all the people who have generously sponsored me.”