Fundraising
106-year-old fundraiser honoured with Prime Minister's Point of Light award
Joan Willett won the nation’s heart by walking more than 17 miles up and down a hill outside her Hastings care home during lockdown leading up to her 104th birthday raising over £60,000 for our lifesaving research in the process.
The former teacher survived her second heart attack at 82 thanks to lifesaving bypass surgery and a heart valve replacement. Afterwards she began walking up and down the steep hill outside several times a day to stay fit.
But after watching Captain Tom on TV during the pandemic she was inspired to use her daily exercise to help fund the heart research she says enabled her to reach 100 …and beyond.
‘Ordinary people doing extraordinary things'
Now, just months away from celebrating her 107th birthday, Joan has received an early gift in the form of the Prime Minister’s prestigious Points of Light Award – given to ordinary people doing extraordinary things for their community.
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, our chief executive, said: “Joan is such an exceptional person. Her incredible fundraising for the BHF during the pandemic touched all of our hearts and it's just wonderful to see her recognised by the Prime Minister and Points of Light awards.
“Having been a heart patient herself she knows just how important research is, and the £60,000 she raised will fund more research to help countless others live long and fulfilling lives – just like Joan.”
Joan was nominated for the special award by her MP Sally-Ann Hart, who presented her with her Points of Light Certificate signed by the Prime Minister on April 12th.
Sally Ann Hart said: “I am absolutely delighted that Joan has been awarded the Prime Minister’s Points of Light Award and honoured to present it to her. She showed enormous commitment and determination in walking such a steep hill 4 times a day in all weathers during the two months leading up to her 104th birthday to raise money for the British Heart Foundation. She is an inspiration to us all.”
‘Great faith in humanity’
A delighted Joan said: “It’s a huge surprise to receive this award from the Prime Minister and lovely that my MP thought of me and made the nomination. I feel very honoured and flattered, but I don’t think I have done anything special. During the pandemic I was inspired by watching Captain Tom to do my walk for the British Heart Foundation because thanks to their research I have been able to reach the age I am and still enjoy life. I’m also so grateful that I came to live at my care home after my second heart attack, because the staff are wonderful and have made sure that I keep my independence which is so important to me. My friend and carer here, Pauline, supported me all the way throughout …I never thought when I came to live here over 20 years ago I’d be famous!
“The best thing about all this – apart from raising the money to help others – was seeing how kind people have been – particularly friends and strangers from as far afield as Australia and Canada who supported me and donated. You only hear about the bad things in the world, but this has given me great faith in humanity.”
The Prime Minister’s award is the ultimate accolade for modest Joan, who still walks every day to retain her independence – accompanied by a seagull she calls Bertie.
During her epic challenge she gave multiple interviews – totally unfazed by live TV, saw her name in lights on the iconic Piccadilly Circus billboard in London, and was shortlisted for a regional Pride of Britain Award. She also caught the attention of her hero and inspiration Captain Sir Tom Moore who sent her a personal message of support during her live appearance on ITV’s Lorraine.
She’s even had the hill she climbed during her epic fundraiser named after her – Willet Way!
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