IT ALL started with a jumble sale in 1976, but after 42 years of raising thousands of pounds for various worthy causes, Margaret Carter is calling it a day.

The 79-year-old has done everything from hosting jumble sales to silent auctions to an annual charity walk all in the name of charity.

Her final fundraising event on Saturday managed to raise more than £1,000 for Alzheimer's research with an afternoon tea event at the Ambrose Allen Centre, in Tadley.

“I remember when my son was six he used to play for a football team and they needed a new football strip,” the Reynards Close resident told The Gazette.

“So being mums we organised the jumble sale to raise money for them and it has just gone from there.”

One of her main fundraising endeavours has been an annual walk along the Kennet canal, which she hopes will be carried on by a member of her family.

When asked what the most memorable event is she has hosted in her years as a fundraiser she said: “I remember speaking to a friend about doing something for the Zeebrugge ship sinking and I thought about doing a jumble sale.

“I asked around the venue I usually use and they said their only free day was a Saturday, which was a week away, so I thought something is better than nothing.

“I ended up being inundated with bags and we raised around £982. That one really was memorable.”

Over the year’s Margaret has raised thousands for St Michael’s Hospice, Hope 4 Tomorrow and various local medical funds to provide equipment.

Her daughter-in-law Carmen Carter said: “She just puts everyone before herself. She is always running people places, doing their shopping for them or various other outings.

“Anyone who has met her will tell you that she has a heart of gold.”

Now that she has retired when asked what she would miss the most, Margaret joked: “Having bags of things for jumbles in my house!

“But I will miss the companionship and the constant support I was shown by friends and family.”