Lending 'support' for charity

The individuals in the Aquagym sessions at the Arun Leisure Centre wore fancy bras to support Ann Annals in her final preparations for the annual Moonwalk through London.

They were joined by five bra-wearing male managers '“ including Andrew Smith and David Hibberd '“ of the centre's operator, Inspire Leisure, for the special session in its swimming pool.

Mrs Annals (68) will join 15,000 midnight walkers this Saturdaywearing decorated bras to highlight the event's status to raise funds for breast cancer research.

She said she was delighted by the backing of her friends in the group. 'Jo Evans, the instructor, is always getting us dressed up whenever there's something going on.

'I wanted to do the Moonwalk before I become too old. There will be four of us, including my daughter in law, doing it in our group,' she explained.

'We are called the Strawberry Strollers because the others live in Tiptree in Essex where there's a jam factory.

'I love walking and feel the Moonwalk will be a challenge at my age. I'm looking forward to it, though I becoming a bit more nervous as it gets nearer.

'I've been going for walks regularly to get ready for the distance. The longest I've done was 20 miles over five hours on bank holiday Monday.'

Mrs Annals, of Aldwick Road, Aldwick, hopes to raise more than 300 from her Moonwalk to go towards the group's 1,500 total.

The hour-long Aquagym sessions are held by Mrs Evans twice a week in the pool. They involve circuit training with the body's weight supported by the water.