Dorset great-grandmother celebrates her 100th birthday with charity challenge

A Dorset great-grandmother is marking her 100th birthday walking 500 steps a day during Lent to raise money for families around the world living without water access.

So far, Pat Bishop has raised over £4,500 for the international development charity CAFOD's Walk for Water campaign.

She told us:

"I felt so awful inside when I thought about how badly people were suffering because they did not have clean water readily available.

"When I turned 100 years old people would ask what I'd like for my birthday. At my age, I don't need anything, so I would be delighted if people could sponsor me as their gift."

Pat, who is a regular tap-dancer, was inspired by centenarian Captain Sir Tom Moore who moved the nation to donate a staggering £32.8 million for the NHS.

"500 steps might not seem far, and a few years ago I would have signed up to do 10,000 steps a day. However, nowadays 500 steps will still be a challenge, particularly as the weather is rather chilly."

As a long-term SVP member at St Mary's Church in Poole, she still helps at monthly 'tea and chat' afternoons for senior citizens and says the motivation for her charity work stems from a childhood experience in which her family were offered a home when they were in need.

"When my father lost his job, two very good family friends kindly offered to take us into their home. They did this immediately and didn't want anything in return for their generosity, they were just pleased to have us with them."

Pat lives with her daughter and son-in-law in Poole. She moved in with them 35 years ago after retiring.

Her daughter, Mandy Shanahan, adds:

"Mum is an amazing woman who has inspired so many people through her life. Her faith has always been important to her and she was delighted to find a strong SVP at St Mary's. She has always made time for other people no matter how busy her life has been. She is an inspiration."

• 100th birthday
• captain sir tom moore
• Lent
• pat bishop