Granny’s Poppy Appeal challenge made harder by son, who used to be in the army

Ann Benson walked from East Preston to Littlehampton and back on a circular route, taking in Vernon House, where she used to work, and her parents’ grave in Littlehampton Cemetery.

She was inspired to raise money for the Poppy Appeal to support her club and as her youngest son, Jon Street, chairman of Rustington Parish Council, was in the army for 22 years.

Ann said: “The East Preston club is our regular club and they are so friendly. We really wanted to support them. Things are very difficult at the moment.

“I am 69 years old so it is quite a challenge for me to do 15km, especially on my own. Please support me by donating on my fundraising page, to help in the support of all service men and women and also remembering the fallen heroes.”

As it turned out, Ann had to do only the first 4k of her Granny’s 15k Challenge on her own, as Jon then joined her and took some video along the way.

Ann said: “He was feeling guilty. I was only going to do 10k because I have only just started walking and I’d just got up to 10k. Jon said he would sponsor me if I did 15k, because I had already done 10k and that wasn’t a challenge.

“I did it in three hours, which was really good going. I thought it would take four. Having someone to talk to made the time go so much quicker.”

Ann has three children, 12 grandchildren and one great grandchild, and Jon kept everyone up to date en route last Sunday, via their family WhatsApp group.

She set a target of £200 and has so far raised £495. Ann said she was ‘totally overwhelmed’ by the support she had received. Visit www.justgiving.com/fundraising/ann-benson1 to make a donation.

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