British woman, 89, who started collecting for Oxfam as teen raises £500,000 over seven decades

Her extraordinary journey with the poverty-fighting charity began when she was just 16, picking up a collection tin for the first time - more than 70 years ago.

In the years since, Mrs Walmsley has become something of a local institution, dedicating herself to raising funds that support Oxfam's global efforts against poverty and inequality.

"I have a very comfortable lifestyle, and I don't need to worry about where the next meal is coming from," she said.

"When you see the news, and the terrible things happening all over the world, and the projects Oxfam supports, you realise how incredibly lucky you are."

Next week, she will take up her familiar position at Sainsbury's in Providence Place for three days of collecting on October 16, 17 and 18 - a tradition she has maintained for 41 consecutive years.

The endeavour has not been without personal cost. After a quarter of a century of fasting during her collections, Mrs Walmsley suffered a serious heart attack.

An 89-year-old British woman has now raised more than half a million pounds after committing to a yearly 'fast' for four decades

JUST GIVING: BARBARA WALMSLEY

A life-sized cardboard cutout, affectionately dubbed "Boxfam Barbara," now undertakes the fasting in her stead.

Her health has also forced her to scale back the gruelling schedule she once kept. Where she previously collected for 30 hours across the three days, she now sits for 18.

Yet none of this has dampened her resolve. The total raised over the decades has surpassed the remarkable £500,000 milestone.

Barbara Walmsley, of Cookham, has devoted much of her life to charitable collecting

JUST GIVING: BARBARA WALMSLEY

Earlier this week, Mrs Walmsley held her annual Oxfam coffee morning at Holy Trinity Parish Centre in Cookham, an event that has become a firm fixture in the local calendar.

The gathering featured guest speakers, refreshments and a raffle, drawing supporters from across the community.

This year's speaker was Harriet Evans, a bestselling author whose novels have sold more than a million copies worldwide and been chosen twice for Richard and Judy's Book Club.

"We've had very famous people, and it's such a privilege that they come for free - they're all very entertaining and are very good speakers," Mrs Walmsley said.

"They've all been very generous, and I've been very lucky to meet fabulous people."

Mrs Walmsley has spoken of her "tremendous admiration" for aid workers and has noted the generosity of shoppers, even as many households grapple with financial pressures.

"My supporters are very loyal, and the vast majority have been supporting me for years. They are very generous," she said.

"They regard me as a sort of annual event. It's good to represent a respected charity."

Despite the scale of her achievement, Mrs Walmsley remains characteristically modest about her contribution.

"I find it incredible that people are still very encouraging and say, 'Well done', although in the grand scheme of things, I don't feel it's that incredible. I just don't give up."

One remark from a supporter has stayed with her. "Somebody said, 'I would sponsor you if you did one hour'. That encourages me to no end."