Former Hastings teacher aged 103 makes daily hill climbs to say thank you for the heart surgery that saved her life

Joan, a resident of Old Hastings House, in the Old Town, is a former teacher who taught for many years at Hollington Junior School.

She was inspired by fellow centenarian Sir Captain Tom Moore to do her daily treks and she aims to clock up over 17 miles by her next birthday on July 19.

She is taking on the challenge to raise funds for the British Heart Foundation.

Joan had life-saving valve replacement surgery after her second heart attack when she was 82.

With the help of her friend and care home worker Pauline Glenet, Joan set up a JustGiving page and has now reached nearly £7,000 – smashing her target of £500.

Among those who donated and sent messages of support were former pupils of Hollington School in Hastings where she taught for over 30 years and later became Deputy Head.

Joan says: “When I was 82, I collapsed in the middle of the night with a heart attack and luckily I was able to press my lifeline, so someone came to help immediately, they sent paramedics from the Conquest Hospital.

“I spent three to four weeks there before being sent to The Kings College Hospital in London where I had a double heart bypass and a new synthetic valve. I am so grateful to the BHF and its research that has made operations like mine possible. I wouldn’t have survived without it let alone reach the age I am.

“I could barely walk afterwards but that’s when I came to live Old Hastings House and the staff have been marvellous and encouraged me to get well and to retain my independence, which luckily I still have. My achievement is also their achievement as I regularly tell my friends. For example, they supported me at the age of 85 to learn how to use the computer for the first time. I put my longevity down to natural curiosity.

“The response to my walks and the messages from friends and former pupils has been overwhelming. It’s really spurred me on. I loved teaching and had a marvellous career which started in London just before the Second World War.

“I tried to join the RAF, but they wouldn’t have me because teaching was a reserved profession so I carried on teaching throughout the war in London.

“I remember all the children had to come to school with their gas masks and a warm coat as we often had to go down to the underground air raid shelters when the siren went off. I often had to teach down there”.

Joan’s fundraiser is just the latest chapter in an incredible life: Born in the middle of the First World War- she didn’t meet her father until she was two years old as he was fighting in France.

She retired in 1978 and never stopped her love of the outdoors and being active, playing tennis in the summer and squash in the winter as well as taking up golf.

Joan’s fundraising page can be found at www.justgiving.com/fundraising/joansdailyhike