A BASINGSTOKE mother is all set to go the extra mile for a good cause.

Karen Riggs will be taking part in the Salisbury 5-4-3-2-1 event on August 10, which will see her run or walk 50km to raise money for the Royal British Legion.

The 46-year-old, who works in B&Q, in Lister Road, will be joined by colleagues Dan Perry, Stuart Shipley, Ronnie Butler, Kate Horwood and Nicky Grantham, who will be running or walking a further 50km in an attempt to cover 100km to mark the 100-year anniversary of the start of the First World War.

Karen, who is a keen member of the Royal British Legion Riders, was inspired to raise funds for the charity following B&Q’s partnership with the British Legion for this year’s Centenary Poppy Campaign.

As part of the store’s partnership with the Royal British Legion, Flanders poppy seeds are currently on sale for £2 in a bid to get more people sowing seeds to commemorate the poppy appeal centenary, with £1 from each sale being donated to the Royal British Legion.

Mother-of-two Karen said: “The Royal British Legion is a fantastic organisation that does some great work, and as my partner used to be in the Navy, it’s a cause that is very close to our hearts.

“When the poppy seeds arrived, it got me thinking about what I could do to mark this historic milestone.

“I’m an amateur runner, but the ultra-marathons are something quite special. Having been out of action for two years with a hip injury, it’s really going to test me.”

Dan Perry, manager of the Basingstoke branch of B&Q, added: “We’re incredibly proud of Karen and we will be backing her all the way on August 10. It’s a very worthwhile cause, and the poppy seed appeal is proving very popular with customers.”

Anyone wishing to donate to Karen’s fundraising effort can do so by making an online donation at justgiving.com/Karen-Riggs or by texting KJRS67 to 70070.