103-year-old from Sussex raises thousands for charity in walking challenge

Video report by ITV News Meridian's Charlotte Wilkins

A centenarian from East Sussex who was inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore, has raised thousands of pounds for the British Heart Foundation by climbing a hill every day for six weeks.

103-year-old Joan Willet has been walking up the steep hill near her residential home in Hastings, after her carer Pauline came up with the idea of using her daily walk to do some good.

When she was in her 80s, Joan had pioneering surgery after a couple of serious heart attacks.

To say thank you, Joan decided to raise money for the charity to whom she says she 'owes so much'.

Joan had an initial target of £500, but she has raised over £8000.

Now, she is following in the footsteps of fellow centenarian, Captain Sir Tom Moore, who raised almost £33 million for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden in April.

Joan says she couldn't have done it without the loving support of the staff at Old Hastings House and her friend Eileen, who likes to join her for part of the walk. 

Eileen says: "She keeps me going and she always says I keep her going. But it's made me realise that a walk every day is really good." 

With the support of her carers and friends, Joan will continue to walk every day for charity until her 104th birthday on Sunday.

As a thank you for her efforts, the British Heart Foundation has arranged for a picture of Joan Willet to be displayed at Piccadilly Circus from Monday (13 July) until her birthday.