AN amazing Ruislip care home resident is taking part in a daunting challenge she has set herself.

Ann Johnson, 99, will walk the distance of the London Marathon (26 miles) in stages around the Kings College Playing Field track at Ruislip.

She will be doing the challenge to celebrate her upcoming 100th birthday.

Ann is partially sighted and has lived with Macular Disease for 30 years. She is undertaking the challenge to raise funds for the Macular Society and Guide Dogs UK.

At the time of publication, Ann had walked more than 12 miles and raised £4,000.

She has met many people at the running track who have donated to the cause via her website: www.challengeann.com

She is referred to as inspirational, motivational and selfless in the donations she has received via her Just Giving page. Her motto is “Use it or lose it!”

Ann was born in 1923 in Kent, the daughter of a farmer. She was the middle child of seven and attended school while helping on the farm until she was 14.

When her parents could no longer afford to keep her, she was sent to work as a scullery maid in the 'big house' in 1939. During World War Two, she joined the Land Army and drove tractors.

In 1954 she married the love of her life, Jack, and they lived in Northolt and had three children. Jack died in 1990.

Ann lived in Ruislip before moving to the Poplars Care Home in Ickenham Road, Ruislip, in late 2020. 

She is being supported in her challenge by her daughter, Margaret Taylor, and Paul Hargreaves, Poplars operations manager, and the care team.

She has had a mention from Chris Evans on his morning show on Virgin Radio and also been covered by BBC London News.

Just Giving page: Challenge Ann fundraising on JustGiving