Fundraiser, 106, inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore gets Prime Minister’s honour
Joan Willett raised money for charity by completing a 17-mile walking challenge in Worthing in 2020.
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.A centenarian inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore to raise more than £60,000 for the British Heart Foundation during the Covid pandemic has been honoured by the Prime Minister.
Joan Willett, 106, was presented with the Points of Light Award by her MP in Hastings and Rye, Sally-Ann Hart, at a celebratory party on Wednesday.
The award, launched in 2014, is given each weekday to ordinary people doing extraordinary things for their community.
Ms Willett, a former teacher who has survived two heart attacks, raised money for the charity in 2020 when she completed a 17-mile walking challenge outside her care home.
She 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.”
Ms Willett said the best thing about her efforts was seeing the kindness of people from all over the world, adding: “You only hear about the bad things in the world but this has given me great faith in humanity.”
Ms Willett appeared on TV and the Piccadilly Circus billboards during her challenge and has since had the hill she climbed named after her.
Dr Charmaine Griffiths, chief executive of the British Heart Foundation 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.”
The late Captain Sir Tom, a Second World War veteran from Marston Moretaine in Bedfordshire, shot to national fame when he raised almost £39m for NHS charities during the first wave of the coronavirus pandemic by walking laps of his garden aged 100.
Subscribe to Independent Premium to bookmark this article
Want to bookmark your favourite articles and stories to read or reference later? Start your Independent Premium subscription today.