Pensioner completes 35-mile Hythe Pier walk before 90th birthday

Former BT worker Margaret Blake was cheered and clapped by wellwishers after finishing her fundraising challenge two days before celebrating her 90th birthday on Monday.

She is thought to have walked a total of 35 miles since she embarked on her fundraising challenge in July.

The Daily Echo reader has so far raised almost £2,000 for Hythe Pier Heritage Association and Hythe Men's Shed (At the Pier).

Margaret Blake is congratulated by wellwishers after completing her quest to walk 90 lengths of Hythe Pier (Image: John Greenwood)

As reported in the Daily Echo, Margaret 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.

READ MORE: Pensioner attempts to walk 90th lengths of Hythe Pier ahead of her 90th birthday

One of the people who watched her complete the final few metres of her challenge was her husband Roy, 91.

He said: "Margaret went down the pier on the train and then walked back to complete to complete the final length.

"She was greeted by members of the public and a couple of friends, who cheered and clapped as she finished. 

"It was quite a relief to get it all done.

"Margaret was elated. She didn't think she could do it all - her leg held her back a little bit - but everything went as planned."

Margaret Blake nears the end of her fundraising mission, watched by friends and other wellwishers (Image: John Greenwood)

She is thought to have raised almost £2,000 for Hythe Pier Heritage Association and Hythe Men's Shed (At the Pier).

Posting on social media, wellwisher John Greenwood said: "Congratulations to an amazing lady.

"Margaret started her walk in July but a mixture of heatwaves and rain meant slow progress. However, she's completed her epic 35-mile walk with hours to spare."

Mrs Blake's daughter, Elaine Husband, added: "Our family are very proud of Mum’s achievement.

"She was encouraged and supported every step of the way by the wonderful staff and volunteers at Hythe Pier, who also ensured she didn’t walk if they felt the pier was too slippery.

"She had to overcome medical issues with her legs midway through the challenge, but she was determined to finish the 90 lengths before her birthday."

READ MORE: Hythe Ferry suspended for a further two weeks after pontoon's supporting structure found to be damaged

A pontoon at the end of the pier is used by the Hythe-Southampton ferry, which has been out of action since the pontoon's supporting structure was found to be damaged on August 22.

Passengers include shoppers, commuters, and Saints fans attending home games at St Mary's Stadium.

Mr Greenwood urged people to continue donating to Margaret's JustGiving page.

"Every penny donated will go towards the restoration of the pier and train. With the ferry currently out of service the local community are really noticing the importance of this transport link, especially football supporters and boat show visitors," he said.