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Fundraising 108-year-old 'was an inspiration'

BBC Joan Willett looks at the camera smiling. She has white hair and is wearing a patterned blue jacket over a white shirt.BBC
Joan Willett was born during World War One

An "inspirational" 108-year-old who raised thousands of pounds for charity has died at her care home.

Joan Willett, born during World War One, was given a British Empire Medal in 2023 for her fundraising for the British Heart Foundation.

She raised the money walking up and down a hill outside her care home in Hastings, East Sussex.

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

Joan Willett holds her BEM medal in a red box and sits in an armchair that is orange and patterned. Next to her chair there is a bookcase with books and DVDS on it.
She received a British Empire Medal in 2023 for her fundraising

A former teacher who had survived two heart attacks, Ms Willett was described by those who knew her as "remarkable".

Pauline Glenet, activity co-ordinator at Old Hastings House, said: "Everyone who knew her loved her very much. She will be sadly missed.

"But her wise words of wisdom will resonate for many years to come.

"She's such an inspiration to everybody."

British Heart Foundation Joan stands on the street in front of a metal handrail and a sign which reads "Willett Way". She is looking at the camera and smiling, and is wearing a dark blue coat with the cuffs turned slightly up.British Heart Foundation
Ms Willett was described by those who knew her as "remarkable"

Speaking on her 108th birthday in July Ms Willett, who was born in St Leonards-on-Sea in 1916, spoke about her secret to a long and healthy life.

"I think you should take an interest, not just sit down in an armchair and go to sleep, as many people do," she said.

"I think then because you are interested in other people, they become interested in you."

Ms Willett raised more than £60,000 for the British Heart Foundation when she completed a 17-mile walking challenge, saying she wanted to raise money for the charity that had enabled her to live through its research.

The hill she climbed has since been named after her and she received a Points of Light Award from the prime minister in 2023 in recognition of her fundraising.

She said she had been inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore, who raised £39m for NHS charities by walking laps of his garden during the coronavirus pandemic.

Staff and residents at her care home in Hastings, East Sussex, organised their own party when she was awarded her British Empire Medal as she was too frail to attend an event at Buckingham Palace.

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