Chichester mum’s 70km challenge to mark late dad’s 70th birthday and raise £700 for school library

A Chichester mum is taking on a 70km walking challenge to mark what would have been her late father’s 70th birthday.
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Peter Rogers, passed away suddenly in his sleep in May last year and his daughter, Hannah Thresher, is aiming to raise £700 to help fund books for Kingsham Primary School in his memory.

Hannah, who lives in The Peacheries, said: “The shock and loss of finding my dad on that day had a devastating effect on me and over the last year I have suffered significantly from my own mental health issues.

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“I have had great support and help through this time from my husband, family, friends and an amazing counsellor, and it is only in the last few months I have started to feel better. I am coming through what has can only be described as a very dark time.”

Peter Rogers on his 68th birthday with his daughter Hannah (second from left) and granddaughters Beth, Sarah and PoppyPeter Rogers on his 68th birthday with his daughter Hannah (second from left) and granddaughters Beth, Sarah and Poppy
Peter Rogers on his 68th birthday with his daughter Hannah (second from left) and granddaughters Beth, Sarah and Poppy

Hannah’s four-year-old daughter Poppy started at Kingsham Primary School last month, following in the footsteps of her grandfather and mother – as well as the rest of the family.

Peter, who was born and bred in Cherry Orchard Road, was an amateur writer who wrote two books – Oh My God, about builders who built a church; and Jack and Jill Went Up the Hill, which drew upon a difficult period of his life and is about understanding how alcoholics and drug addicts live.

Hannah, who works with the waste and recycling team at West Sussex County Council, said: “When I saw Kingsham were raising funds for books and materials following the refurbishment of the school library this certainly captured my heart and I thought what a great cause in memory of my dad’s legacy.”

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Starting today (October 1), the 39-year-old will be walking 70km around the area, ending with a final 7km to The Trundle on October 15, on what would have been Peter’s 70th birthday. She will be joined by her aunt, Susan Rogers, for the last leg, while Poppy and the rest of the family will accompany them on the final kilometre.

Peter Rogers with his sister Susan RogersPeter Rogers with his sister Susan Rogers
Peter Rogers with his sister Susan Rogers

Hannah said: “In one of the last conversations with my dad, he said to me, ‘I’m with you all the way’, and I know he will be.

“He is very sadly missed by all, but I can honestly say from experiencing my own mental health issues, that talking and walking has got me through this – as well as his words, ‘never give in’.

“I word urge anyone experiencing the loss of a loved one or mental issues to please talk to someone.”

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