Bill Prior’s granddaughter plans to walk a mile or two in his shoes

THE granddaughter of Westbury Poppy Appeal fundraiser Bill Prior,  Kate Prior, is aiming to continue his charitable legacy by taking on the Welsh Three Peaks in just 24 hours to raise money for the Royal British Legion. 

Bill, who died earlier this year aged 89, was well known throughout the town through his fundraising efforts as the local Poppy Appeal organiser for over 30 years. 

In May of next year, his granddaughter Kate and her husband Tom will be climbing to the peaks of Snowdon, Cader Idris and Pen y Fan – all within 24 hours of each other, to continue supporting the charity which her grandfather supported so much over the years. 

Kate said, “My gramps spent a long time throughout his life raising money for the Royal British Legion through the Poppy Appeal in Westbury. He was a well-known member of the community through this and through volunteering at Westbury Heritage Centre. He was a big inspiration to myself and my sister, as nothing would ever stop him from reaching his goal! 

“We thought that this was a fitting tribute in his memory. We might be insane but we’re going to do it – even if it kills us off! Please donate what you can, it’ll keep us going to the summit and back down each mountain. 

“We were so touched by the messages received from the local community, remembering both him as a person and as a member of the community. We’d love for the Westbury community to raise money for the Royal British Legion once again, but this time in his name.” 

This mountaineering escapade is a mammoth of a task, simply due to how much ground the couple will need to cover in order to beat the peaks in under 24 hours. The Welsh Three Peaks has a total walking distance of 17 miles and an ascent of almost 8,000 ft – equivalent to climbing twice up Snowdon, Britain’s highest mountain. 

In his time, Bill managed to raise up to £10,000 each year for the Poppy Appeal. He also made sure to do something ‘out of the box’ each May bank holiday, such as travelling the length of the country on a moped – and his granddaughter wants to continue this legacy. 

To donate to this cause, please visit their JustGiving page – shorturl.at/lqHQ6 

Pictured, Kate with her husband Tom.