STEPPING up in the final push to raise £15,000 for Haslewey Community Post Office Appeal, are the community centre’s deputy chairman Ken Griffiths and treasurer Simon Bowyer.

The intrepid duo have signed up to take part in The Great South Run in Portsmouth and Southsea on Sunday, October 22.

Ken said: “Although reasonably fit from walking long distances regularly, I have never actually run a race in my life and facing a ten-mile run when approaching 70, is a real challenge, but one that I am eager to complete.

“It’s no good asking people to donate money for something that won’t stretch me, so I am honoured to stride out for Haslemere and our new Haslewey Community Post Office.

Also starting his training with determination, but with “quite a lot of trepidation”, Simon said his main motivation was to “raise vital funds to fit out the new Haslewey Post Office – something that the local community, especially the elderly, desperately need.”

The eagerly awaited new Lion Green branch is scheduled to open in early January 2018 and £14,500 has already been raised, swelled by a fundraising concert by

The Waverley Ensemble, enjoyed by more than 80 people, blue disc donations from Haslemere Tesco and the ‘Donate and Eat Cake’ stall at the town food festival.

Near neighbour Dylan’s Ice-cream donated £310, thanks to owner Ben Govier’s popular ‘Royal Raspberry’ flavour, which he created as a fundraising “special”.

Centre manager Kerry Morren-Jeffs said: “We have now raised a total of £14,500 towards our target. That’s fantastic news and it’s all thanks to a great community spirit.”

To support them go to www.fundraise.charitycheckout. co.uk and search for Wey Hill Community Post Office, or www.haslewey.org – you can also call (01428) 648716.