Remarkable and inspiring BHF fundraiser passes away at 108

Joan Willett, a double heart attack survivor from Hastings who reached 108-years-old, passed away peacefully on Friday (29th November 2024).

A woman walking down a hill

Joan raised a phenomenal £60,000 for our lifesaving research in the pandemic by walking 17 miles up and down a hill outside her care home leading up to her aged 104th birthday.

Her tenacity, strength and enthusiasm for life won the hearts of the nation as well as a British Empire Medal (BEM) and a Prime Minister Points of Light Award.

The former teacher who was born during World War One, was awarded a BEM title in 2023 for her contribution to our lifesaving research. Joan was inspired to fundraise after benefitting from bypass surgery and a heart valve replacement after her second heart attack aged 82.

Dr Charmaine Griffiths, Chief Executive at the British Heart Foundation, said:‘’We are incredibly saddened to hear that Joan Willet BEM has passed away, aged 108.

"A heart patient herself, Joan was a source of inspiration for people across the country during the dark days of the pandemic. I was honoured to meet Joan and personally thank her for her exceptional efforts.

"She was a wonderful woman whose warmth and generosity left a huge impression on me and all of us at the BHF and her indefatigable fundraising effort has left a lifesaving legacy. Our thoughts are with Joan’s many friends and loved ones.’’

Joan was awarded a special BHF Heart Hero Award in 2020 to recognise her exceptional contribution. This was given to her virtually by the Duchess of York.

Two women sitting on armchairs looking at the camera

Joan’s zest for life

Old Hastings House, where she had lived for 26 years, said she died "gently" on Friday night.

Speaking on her 108th Birthday in July, Joan, who was born in St Leonards-on-Sea in 1916, shared her advice for a long and happy life, which included showing a genuine interest in people who will do the same for you in turn.

After moving into her care home during the pandemic, inspired by Sir Captain Tom Moore’s fundraising for the NHS, Joan started walking up and down the hill outside her residence.

She wanted to use her daily exercise to fund heart research which she claims had helped her live to her impressive age. The hill was then named after her – ‘Willett Way’ and she received a prestigious Points of Life award from the Prime Minister in 2023.

A woman by a sign that says 'Willett Way'

A thank you

Joan has been described by our colleagues who knew her as ‘encapsulating the best of humanity’.

Her inquisitive nature and desire to keep learning and experiencing life saw her undertake multiple interviews during her epic challenge. Featuring on live television did not phase her and she was thrilled to see her name in lights on the iconic Piccadilly Circus billboard in London.

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.

Woman holding a medal up in a box

We are eternally grateful to Joan for her fundraising, her willingness to talk about her connection to us, and for being such a bright spark during the pandemic period and beyond.

Our thoughts are with all who knew her, especially her care home staff and residents.

A woman holding up a glass of wine in 'cheers'