Bury St Edmunds pensioner is walking 7,000 steps a day with her mobility aid to raise money for motor neurone disease

A disabled pensioner is on a fund-raising mission in memory of her husband.

Penny Bentley, 81, from Bury St Edmunds, is walking 7,000 steps a day over seven days to raise money for the Motor Neurone Disease Association (MND).

Penny’s husband, Richard, died from the condition, four years ago.

The former primary school headteacher, who walks with a mobility aid, has already raised £2,039 against her target of £1,000, in just a few days.

“My sons Sam, Tom and Joe, live in America and Australia and have been spreading the word,” said Penny.

“It’s got much bigger than I expected and I’m so thankful to everyone who has helped boost the funds so far.

“The daily walk is quite a challenge but I am determined to do it.”

Penny was inspired to take up the 7 in 7 Challenge by rugby player Kevin Sinfield who is running seven ultra-marathons in seven days to raise money for MND.

Penny added: “I am always glad to find new ways to remember my husband.

“He was a parish priest and after we moved to Bury, would often help at the Cathedral, which is also supporting me.

“Richard was well known in town for his famous smile.

“I recently had my first tattoo with Richard’s words, and styled in his own handwriting, as he endured his illness and faced death: ‘Love never dies’. My grand-daughter has the same words tattooed on her leg.

“The MND Association is in great need of funding to support sufferers and their families, and for much-needed research into this cruel disease.”

If you would like to sponsor Penny, visit: www.justgiving.com/page/penny-bentley

The MND 7 in 7 challenge is a nationwide effort during which people set themselves seven challenges in any field to help raise money.