Charity marathon walker and MBE dies aged 107

A 107-year-old woman who walked a marathon to raise money for charity has died.

Ruth Saunders, from Newbury, Berkshire, died on 19 February following a fall.

She received an MBE after she completed 26.2 miles over a series of walks in November 2020, raising £50,000 for Thames Valley Air Ambulance.

Her granddaughter Kate Saunders said: "She had, had a good life, which she enjoyed."

Ruth, who lived through two world wars and two pandemics, took on her challenge having been inspired by centenarian Capt Sir Tom Moore, who completed 100 laps of his garden in aid of the NHS.

She walked around the block, every day to complete a marathon to raise money for Thames Valley Air Ambulance.

The charity was a cause close to her heart after it helped eldest son, Edward, following a riding accident.

Amanda McLean, chief executive of the charity, said: “Aged 104, Ruth walked a marathon for our charity, at a time when the community was in lockdown...

"Ruth was a force of nature, who inspired us all with her wit, determination and vigour. She will be missed.”

Ruth was awarded a Points of Light Award by Boris Johnson for her charitable work in 2020.

A year later she attended Windsor Castle and was given her MBE award by Princess Anne.

Kate said her grandmother was a "very hard worker".

"When her husband passed away, she was left with three children to raise, the youngest was five months old," she added.

"She raised my dad and uncles on her own whilst running her own business.

"Her work ethic until her last days was truly amazing and an inspiration."

A funeral service will be held for Ruth on 18 March at St Mary’s Church, Shaw, where she was christened and married.

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