Maureen’s 95th birthday fundraiser closing in on new £15,000 target

When 94-year-old Maureen Lightbody from Groomsport set out at the start of lockdown to raise £1,000 for Macmillan Cancer Support by walking 95 ‘roman miles’ (1,000 paces a day) until her 95th birthday, little did she know the positive impact that her pledge would have.
By The Newsroom
Published 6th Jul 2020, 16:19 GMT
Maureen Lightbody is walking 1,000 steps a day for 95 days to raise money for Macmillan Cancer SupportMaureen Lightbody is walking 1,000 steps a day for 95 days to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support
Maureen Lightbody is walking 1,000 steps a day for 95 days to raise money for Macmillan Cancer Support

Just days from completing her challenge and reaching her 95th birthday, she’s now raised almost £13,000 and says that she’ll be happy if she reaches £15,000!

“I know that there are lots of people doing incredible things to raise money for fantastic charities right now,” said Maureen. “I’ve been so overwhelmed by people’s generosity so far and I want to raise as much as I can for Macmillan. I lost my husband to cancer and I know how important every pound is, especially at the moment.

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“That’s why I would love to reach £15,000 – that would pay for around 500 hours of nursing for people living with cancer. I’ve come so far, and I’d love to get a little further with people’s help!”

As her 95th birthday fast approaches on July 16, she has already walked 85 ‘roman miles’ and has another 10 to go.

When she saw Captain Tom take on his NHS challenge at the start of lockdown, Maureen’s first words were, “If he can do it, I can too”.

It’s this determination that has seen Maureen walk every single day (she hasn’t missed one) and her sense of purpose has not only inspired donations from as far afield as the USA, she has also inspired friends and family to get their walking shoes on too.

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“I feel better than ever because the daily walk is doing me so much good,” she said.

“I started this journey to support a local cancer charity, but I’ve made a difference to my own life too.”

Maureen’s Just Giving page is at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/maureenlightbody.

Related topics:Macmillan Cancer SupportUSANHS