Today was the day of the walk. Joan is an incredible 101-year-old Felixstowe legend who did her bit as an NHS worker. Today, 102-year-old Wynnie, also from Felixstowe, joined Joan in her 75th walk! The atmosphere was amazing. So many cheerful, excited faces to see Joan and Wynnie go around Allenby park from 2pm this afternoon. Covered by the press, radio stations and more, the wind blew gently – a nice, calming breeze. We all take photos with the bunting at the entrance of the park. Joan and Wynnie began to go around the park. Joan in front walking and Wynnie behind. We all walked with Joan and Wynnie, intrigued, asking questions and snapping photographs of this amazing event. So many supporters and such positive energy – everyone was so lovely. It’s inspiring seeing how such an event can bring everyone together and how keen people are to raise money.

Today was a huge success and well done to Joan and Wynnie – absolute stars! ⭐ We hope this inspires many more to do this too as it’s a fantastic way to raise money for such phenomenal causes. And now for Joan’s daughter, Diane, to share her daily poem…

Add a Joan to a Wynnie

And the answer’s 2-0-3.

In ten weeks more,

The answer’s 2-0-4.

Oh dear, what can the matter be?

Two ‘over-one-hundreds’ got a bit chattery.

Rob, radio presenter, was being quite flattery,

They didn’t notice him there!

What an honour to have 102-year-old, Wynnie Dunger join Joan on her walk, and the media and news reporters she attracted. Thank you to Rob Dunger for his support, and Mayor, Mark Jepson too. Thank you to everyone who has donated as a result of today’s media coverage.

With love, Diane.

To help Joan fundraise for the NHS, click here: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Diane-Rich1 

*Article written by the lovely Emily Cheeseman.

By now, many of you would have heard of this incredible 101 year old local legend, Joan. Joan did her bit as an NHS worker, first in Hillingdon Hospital in the 1950s, then in Felixstowe General Hospital as an auxiliary nurse in the outpatient department from 1964 until her retirement in 1978. Forty-two years after leaving Felixstowe General Hospital, Joan walks around Allenby Park to raise money for them. Her goal is to make 102 laps before her upcoming 102nd birthday! She remembers going there to retrieve patients who had gone to sit in the cool and calm of the park, and now she is on duty again. This time there are no patients to gather, just birds singing, children playing, dog walkers with their beasties, picnickers relaxing on the grass, footballers, and friendly neighbours too. Every day Joan’s daughter will be giving us a little update. This one includes our lovely Emily from The Felixstowe Magazine who went about to interview Joan and Diane. Here’s the blog and soon to follow will be the lovely Joan and Diane in their filmed interview…

Rain in the night.

Rose petals lose their grip,

Slip.

Strewn like wet confetti memories of a yesterday’s wedding.

Tiny clods clinging.

Joan’s wheels push forwards through park histories, never washed away.

Park friends,

Park children,

Park unknowns,

Long buried.

Their ghost voices rise to urge the more than one hundred heroes on, on, on.

Keep going Joan.

Keep going all.

Thank you to everyone who has donated and supported Joan. THANK YOU. Thank you to Colouring Heroes for their posters and good wishes to Joan.

With love,

Diane (Joan’s daughter)

To help Joan fundraise for the NHS, click here: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Diane-Rich1 

By now, many of you would have heard of this incredible 101 year old local legend, Joan. Joan did her bit as an NHS worker, first in Hillingdon Hospital in the 1950s, then in Felixstowe General Hospital as an auxiliary nurse in the outpatient department from 1964 until her retirement in 1978. Forty-two years after leaving Felixstowe General Hospital, Joan walks around Allenby Park to raise money for them. Her goal is to make 102 laps before her upcoming 102nd birthday! She remembers going there to retrieve patients who had gone to sit in the cool and calm of the park, and now she is on duty again. This time there are no patients to gather, just birds singing, children playing, dog walkers with their beasties, picnickers relaxing on the grass, footballers, and friendly neighbours too. Every day Joan’s daughter will be giving us a little update. This one includes our lovely Emily from The Felixstowe Magazine who went about to interview Joan and Diane. Here’s the blog and soon to follow will be the lovely Joan and Diane in their filmed interview…

Emily’s list of questions for Joan

She’s recording the answers on her phone.

First, bugged by a football landing too near,

Then, doing her best to make sure Joan can hear.

Next, a jogger, half-naked, is sprinting by.

Now there’s trees in the way, and a leaf in her eye.

She keeps on going and doesn’t give in.

How very like Joan – determined to win.

History? Hobbies? Where did you live?

Why walk for the NHS? Why still give?

Lots more questions then, ‘It’s a wrap!’

(You’ll find all the answers on the Felixstowe App.)

Written by Diane, Joan’s daughter.

(To help Joan fundraise for the NHS, click here: www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Diane-Rich1