Marilyn Steede?s heroic efforts to raise over $13,000 for the Age Concern Handyman Programme are an example she hopes others will follow.

?It just goes to show that you only need to sacrifice one day to make a difference in other people?s lives,? she said.

Ms Steede?s 24-hour, non-stop walk end-to-end of the Island started on April 2 at 5 a.m. and finished on April 3 at 6 a.m.

Age Concern executive director Claudette Flemming warmly praised Ms Steede?s sterling efforts. ?No individual has ever raised this much for Age Concern single-handedly,? she said.

The novel approach, to raise the funds through a 24-hour walk, came from one of the highest ranking female officers ever to serve in the Bermuda Regiment.

Apart from undergoing her gruelling marathon walk, Ms Steede organised and financed the administration of her fundraising effort, sending out letters seeking support and publicising the fundraiser.

Modest to a fault, Ms Steede was keen to stress the support she received from the community and sponsorship from Butterfield and Vallis and Dunkley?s Dairy.

?This is the third year I have raised money for a charitable cause and, for Age Concern, I wanted to be a part of the solution to improve the life of seniors,? she said..

The funds raised by Ms Steede will go towards the Age Concern Handyman Programme designed to help seniors in retirement with minor home repairs and ensure adequate maintenance of items such as plumbing, leaky taps, fixing lights and handrails.

Ottiwell Simmons, chairman of the Handyman committee, said the programme is not designed for large renovations but has been a great success in responding to client?s needs.

?Marilyn?s contribution goes beyond the funds raised,? he said. ?She has the respect of the whole of the community and they have a high regard for her meaningful contribution that will go towards helping people in need.?