By Mal Butler
A Shanklin woman has walked around the Island to raise £2,000 for Mountbatten.
Penny Langborne, 41, took on the challenge after being unable to do the Ultra Challenge in May. She explained: “I had intended to do the challenge to raise money for Mountbatten for their help, when my late father, Dr John Smith, was ill last year. They were on hand to offer us advice and support us. But my mother, Rosalind, was then taken ill and had to have an operation in Southampton, so I couldn’t take part.
“However, so many people had already sponsored me, I decided to do this walk instead, finishing on Saturday afternoon.
“It was 76.4 miles and took me 26 hours. It was an incredibly gruelling challenge and nearly broke me mentally and physically as well as giving me some of the worst blisters I think I’ve ever seen!
“But I’m thrilled to have completed it, and wish to thank everyone that made it a lot easier, both those who walked with me and others sending messages of support.
“I’d also like to thank the wonderful team at Mountbatten for surprising me in Sandown and walking the last leg with me, giving me the motivation to enjoy that last push and finally for all at The Salix – Beach Cafe for giving me a most tremendous finish!”
Isle of Wight Observer