Marilyn Steede is no stranger to helping charities in the community.

Over the past 11 years, she has braved the sun, wind and rain to walk non stop for 24 hours to raise cash for some of her favourite local organisations.

This year she decided to help Meals On Wheels, a charity close to her heart.

After signing up to volunteer with the organisation, she was able to see first hand the work that goes into providing nourishing cooked meals for the sick or ageing seniors in Bermuda.

She said there was a great need for the service, particularly as the economic challenges continue to impact families on the Island.

So far she has raised nearly $7,000 for the charity and hopes additional donations will get her closer to her $10,000 goal.

Ms Steede recently walked 75 miles in a day and only stopped once to take a toilet break.

Despite the obvious challenges of getting over hills in areas like Fort Scaur, Coral Beach and McGalls, as well as fighting the urge to sit down and go to sleep after walking for so long, she said the rest was a breeze.

“My body once again cooperated well,” she told The Royal Gazette.

The bouts of rain helped to keep her awake and she reported for work next day without any blisters.

When asked why she continues the annual walk-a-thon, Ms Steede said it was rewarding to play a small part in helping those in need.

“In spite of the current dire economic challenges the community at large are facing, charities continue to require financial support with their efforts to fulfil their specific mandate in sustaining a positive quality of life for members of our community who are in need.

“Most often these needs are standard survival requirements, that many of us take for granted.

“It is my hope that the avenue that I have chosen to continue to assist, by giving up one entire day of my life, will afford at least one person one additional day to their life.

“Like anything else, the more money you want, the harder you have to work for it. And right now charities require more money because they have more persons in need.”

She said giving back was important to her because at some point everybody will need help or assistance to get them through a rough patch in life.

“They say that ‘life is wasted on the youth’. I now believe that adage,” she explained.

“Because, young people (and we were all young) tend to live life under the unconscious belief that their bodies, in particular, will always be able to whatever they require of it.

“When we get older, and not so focused on ourselves, we can then recognise that everybody needs somebody for something.

“Therefore, ‘giving back’, is my token of appreciation in recognising, that whether I realise it or not, many persons have indirectly, aided in enhancing the quality of life for me; and now it is my turn to reciprocate.”

Each year, Ms Steede’s feat is monitored — from her very first step through to her final step — to make sure she completes the mission.

John Faiella, as well as Jim and Diana Hindess, served as escort drivers for the journey, carrying her water, snacks and rain gear, while she walked.

Mr Faiella said he was happy to help out. “I’ve known Marilyn for many years and I have heard her talk about these 24 hour walks,” he said.

“Hearing about them and watching her do it are very, very different things. I followed her in a car on various stages of the walk but over the final seven hours, to watch her walk from midnight at Watford Bridge to 7am at John Smith’s Bay, is quite an impressive achievement to witness.

“Respect is the word that comes to mind [when I think of what she puts into this fundraiser]. I have a great deal of respect for the physical achievement, but I have an even greater respect for her commitment to charity in Bermuda.”

To support Ms Steede’s efforts, donations can still be made to: Meals On Wheels HSBC account # 006-075451-001. Please include your name and the subject ‘24-Hour Walk’ when you give.