Party thrown for 107-year-old charity fundraiser

Joan Willett shows off her British Empire Medal

A party has been held for a centenarian who raised thousands of pounds during the Covid pandemic as she was too frail to attend an event at Buckingham Palace.

Joan Willett, 107, was awarded the British Empire Medal last year and had been and invited to Buckingham Palace for a garden party on Wednesday, but was unable to attend because of her age.

Staff and residents at her care home in Hastings, East Sussex, organised their own party instead.

Ms Willett raised £70,000 for the British Heart Foundation during lockdown by walking17 miles up and down a hill outside her care home.

She said the prospect of the journey to London was too much for her.

"Now that old age has caught up on me I felt that I couldn't make the journey," she said.

"Walking around in the grounds of Buckingham Palace would be a bit much.

"We decided to have our own celebration here instead of our usual coffee morning.

"I can't quite do the walk up the hill so many times as I did four years ago, but I still can do it."

Party organiser Pauline Glenet says Joan feels her achievement belongs to everyone in the care home

Pauline Glenet, activity co-ordinator at Old Hastings House care home, said Joan feels the whole community has shared in her achievement.

"Joan feels that it's about everybody" she said.

"She said she's no-one special, it's all about the whole family of Old Hastings House working together and supporting each other.

"Joan said to me she didn't want to wear the medal. But if people want to look at it, they can."

Follow BBC Sussex on Facebook, on X, and on Instagram. Send your story ideas to [e-mail] or WhatsApp us on 08081 002250.