Famous 24-hour charity walker Marilyn Steede is now pounding the pavements for a different reason — as she seeks to get elected for the United Bermuda Party in Pembroke West Central.

But Ms Steede recognises she has an uphill battle trying to overtake frontrunner Neletha Butterfield who won the seat at a canter in 2003 by 271 votes.

And with the chances of a summer election receding Ms Steede believes she could be in for another marathon stint traversing the highways and byways of Bermuda — even if this time she will be concentrating her efforts on one small section of the Island.

The life-long UBP supporter told The Royal Gazette: “I think we will see it before Christmas.”

Ms Steede is famous for her 24-hour walks which began back in 2003 and she has since raised more than $90,000 for charities including the Bermuda Stroke Association, Age Concern and Bermuda Heart Foundation.

And while she is known for her walking it is other modes of getting around which most vex her as she relies on public transport for the commute from her Southampton home to the Opposition leader’s office where she has worked for the last seven years. “If we want to make an impact on getting other private vehicles off the road then buses need to run more often and they have to have more routes to travel.”

Ms Steede also called for improvements in the ferry and taxi services while local issues include the plight of forgotten seniors struggling with high health care and food costs.

Asked why she was standing Ms Steede said her interest in politics had grown steadily over the years.

“I thought it was time to put up or shut up instead of sitting back complaining which is very easy. I feel I have something to offer.

“I am a life-long United Bermuda Party supporter. My first vote was for them and it has been ever since. I have always admired their ideals. They don’t seem to have changed from many years ago.

“They are always positive for the whole community — not selective in any way with race, colour or creed.”

Ms Steede said so far the response on the doorstep had been friendly, even from self-confessed Progressive Labour Party supporters.

She said: “They won it very comfortably at the last election but I never tell myself it cannot be overturned.”