Newbury fundraising hero Ruth Saunders gifted bouquet of flowers by Sainsbury's staff

Sainsbury’s oldest customer was gifted a bouquet of flowers by a member of staff at the supermarket to congratulate her on being appointed an MBE.

Cashier Gladys Thom greeted Ruth Saunders, 105, with the bouquet in Newbury Sainsbury’s on Saturday, January 22.

Mrs Saunders was appointed an MBE last December after she walked over 104 laps around Shaw where she lives (completing the marathon distance of 26 miles) to raise money for the Thames Valley Air Ambulance.

Mrs Saunders said: "The bouquet came as a lovely surprise.

"All I knew was that Gladys asked me to call in at Sainsbury's at a certain time, and there she was with the lovely flowers.

"I have known Gladys for some time and it was very kind of her to arrange the presentation, at which the manager Paul Davis also attended."

Mr Davis said: “For someone of Ruth’s age it was amazing what she did for charity and it really is an amazing achievement.

“It’s also great to see her still out and about and shopping in our store.”

Mrs Saunders' incredible achievement raised more than £50,000 and led to her being recognised in both the New Year’s Honours List and the Prime Minister’s Points of Light awards.

She received her MBE from Princess Anne at Windsor Castle on December 8, 2021.

Mrs Saunders was born in Shaw in 1916 has lived in the Newbury and Reading areas all her life.

She takes an active interest in life and gardens and is a member of Newbury Quakers and the Kennet Valley Guild of Weavers, Spinners and Dyers.

She has three sons, Edward, John and Martin, six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren.