Woman inspired to run by 100-year-old nan

A woman has said she was inspired to run the London Marathon by her 100-year-old grandmother.

Ettie Eyre, who lives in Bristol, will be raising money for Blind Veterans UK when she takes part in the event on Sunday.

The charity supported her grandmother, Joan Tanton, when she was diagnosed with age-related macular degeneration, which caused loss of vision.

“Grandma turned 100 last year and the momentous milestone felt like the right time to give something back to the charity which has been there for her since she lost her sight,” she said.

Ms Tanton served with the British Army Broadcasting Service in Italy during World War Two, sending messages in Morse code to the UK, which were decoded at Bletchley Park.

Since her diagnosis, Blind Veterans UK has offered her a support worker and equipment to help her use an audio book player and kettle.

The London Marathon will be Ms Eyre’s first long-distance run.

“I’ve always wanted to do a marathon, I’m super active and enjoy lots of sports but I’m not a long-distance runner so this is going to be a challenge for me.

“I really wanted to do something special for grandma and this seems like the right thing to do,” she added.

Ms Tanton was presented with a long service award from the Royal British Legion (RBL) last year in the week of her 100th birthday.

She was awarded the accolade for her work as branch president of the RBL in Bar Hill, Cambridgeshire.