Mistley fundraiser smashes challenge to help Royal British Legion

Debbie Lammond, 45, of Mistley, smashed the Walk 100 Miles challenge in a bid to raise money for the Royal British Legion.

The legion took a special place in Debbie’s heart after looking after her father and ex paratrooper Martin John Lammond, 87 in a time of need.

Her beloved dad was part of the Second Battalion and had also served the country during the The Suez Canal Crisis in 1956 which saw the invasion of Egypt.

Veteran - Debbie's father Martin John Lammond

Debbie said: “The British Legion put a step outside his front door and some rails so he had something to hold on when he is going down.

“They have supported my father and all our troops with their mental health when they return home.”

In the short space of just 14 days, Debbie and her two dogs Amber and Rocket, walked for 31 hours and 49 minutes as a thank you to the organisation.

Hero - Debbie walked 100 miles in just 14 days

Debbie said: “The dogs loved it. As long as they had treats in the bag they kept on coming. “I looked at some interesting places like Mersea Island and the rest of the walks have been local to me in Mistley.

“I walked from Harwich around the River Stour.

“My longest ever walk was 12 miles.

“On the first day I had all the seasons in one day. We had snow, it was windy and there was rain.”

But even the changing weather couldn’t scare Debbie away from hitting her target.

Juggling between family commitments and taking care of her father, she managed to hit 100 miles and raise £400.

Pa(w)ls - Amber and Rocket helped Debbie smash the fundraiser

The North Essex Veterans Support Group, which meets monthly at the Crown Pub in Manningtree, has also supported her cause by donating almost £150.

Now Debbie is looking ahead to her next challenge.

She said: “I feel wonderful. I have received a little medal for raising over £200 and I am actually looking into doing a sky dive in the months to come for the Royal British Legion.

“I cannot wait for that one.

“It is in the blood with dad being an ex-paratrooper.

“I can look him in the eyes and say ‘I have done it too dad’.”