Margaret Blake, 89, to walk 90 lengths of Hythe Pier

Daily Echo reader Margaret Blake is raising funds for two organisations involved in a project to restore the 640m pier - the seventh longest in the country.

Her original target was £900 but she has already raised more than twice that amount.

Margaret's success is all the more remarkable because she suffered a broken hip at the end of 2022 and needed an operation. More recently, she has developed a painful infection at the base of her right leg.

Ferry staff presented Margaret Blake with a jokey card when she retired from BT, having used to service to get to work (Image: Newsquest)

She started her charity challenge in July and aims to complete the final lengths just before her 90th birthday on September 16.

All the money raised will be donated to Hythe Pier Heritage Association and Hythe Men's Shed (At The Pier), which are working together to refurbish the pier and the narrow gauge electric railway that runs along it.

An issue affecting a pontoon at the end of the structure has resulted in the ferry service being suspended, but the train is still operating.

READ MORE: Passengers say they fear Hythe ferry service may be scrapped 

The men's shed occupies a building were Margaret used to work when it was a toy factory more than 60 years ago.

She also spent 17 years working for BT in Southampton and used the ferry every day to get to and from work.

When she retired ferry staff presented her with a jokey card that emblazoned with the words: "Go ahead! Retire! See if we care!"

Hythe Ferry is currently out of action but the pier train is still running (Image: Alan Titheridge)

Margaret, who is married with a son and daughter, two grandsons, and five great grandchildren, has already completed more than 70 lengths.

She said: "When I started walking the pier I would do four lengths a day but my family were worried I would finish before my birthday so I've cut down.

"I tend to come here when the weather is right. How long it takes me to complete each length depends on how painful my leg is.

"I originally planned to abseil down the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth but my daughter suggested I walk the pier instead. I'm glad she did because this is more fun.

"It's sad the ferry is not running at the moment, although I'm pleased it was still operating when the schoolchildren were on holiday.

"A waiting room at the end of the pier used to be a cafe and we're hoping it will be again. I would give people a reason to go down."

To donate visit her fundraising page - justgiving.com/page/margaret-blake-1722355134250