HIGH Legh grandma Christine Williams has raised £6,193 for Save the Children after challenging herself to walk 1,000 miles by Christmas.

Christine, 77, set herself this challenge after walking 500 miles throughout the summer when the country went into lockdown.

Having celebrated 60 years of fundraising for Save the Children last year, Christine said: “I really wanted to do something special for the charity this year after I was awarded the British Empire Medal for my 60 years of service as a fundraiser.

“It was such an incredible honour. My mother was always interested in charity work when I was young, so I was brought up helping others.”

Christine began the challenge in March, and was joined by her two-year-old granddaughter Everly for her first fundraising event.

Everly walked with her for ½ mile a day through the summer to hit their original target of 500 miles, and was beside her grandmother when Christine notched up 1,000 miles.

Everly is the fourth generation of Save the Children supporters in the family after Christine’s mother helped form the children’s charity’s Cheadle and Gatley branch.

Christine said: “Walking for the charity has given me a sense of purpose during the Covid-19 pandemic, and has kept me going even when times were tough and I couldn’t see the family.

“Knowing that by walking every day I was helping others spurred me on, especially when it was cold throughout winter.

“I still can’t believe I have managed to complete this challenge. After two ankle operations I never in a million years thought I would ever do something like this, but I was so determined and it has paid off.

“I am blown away with the amount of money raised and can’t thank everyone enough who has donated and supported me.”

All money raised will help Save the Children provide opportunities for vulnerable children, not just in the UK, but in more than 100 countries across the globe.

Annabel Garner, Save the Children community fundraising and engagement manager, said: “Huge congratulations and thanks to Christine. We are so grateful for the support of Christine and her family, and to have Everly involved as a fourth generation of support at such a young age is very special.”