Farnham octogenarian Amanda Harvey has donated £1,135.09 to the Alzheimer’s Society and is living proof that if you look after the pennies, the pounds really do look after themselves.

Over the past four years, Amanda has been saving her small change and any coins she finds dropped on the pavement. The hoard of 1p, 2p and 5p coins has been boosted by the sale of knitted items made by Amanda.

In recognition of her tireless fundraising, Sara Woodley, registered manager at Right at Home GF, has presented Amanda with a certificate of achievement. She said: “The Alzheimer’s Society is a charity that is very close to our hearts so when we heard about Amanda’s concerted fundraising effort, we felt it had to be recognised. Amanda is an inspiration and a great example of how there is always a way to make a difference.”

Talking about her fundraising and what inspired her to raise money for charity, Amanda said: “I always wanted to do something useful in my life. I was brought up in a children’s home and when I left, I wanted to work with children but unfortunately that was not to be.

“I began fundraising for charity after witnessing somebody with dementia being on the receiving end of some very unkind behaviour. 

“Dementia is an illness and people with it need to be treated with respect. I hope the money will go towards helping more people understand the illness and how they can help people who have it.”

Amanda intends to continue raising money for charity and is busy fulfilling orders from Right at Home’s caregivers for handmade hats and gloves.