Determined 80-year-old raises almost £3,000 for hospitals that saved her life

Friends, family and businesses across the district have swooped in to help determined pensioner Joan Linacre raise £2,800 for Bassetlaw Hospital in Worksop and Sheffield’s Northern General Hospital.

Joan was 78 when she suffered a heart attack that almost took her life. Her son, Christopher, suffered the same ordeal aged 49, and lost the use of his legs as a result.

But the positive pair are “still here and trying to make the best of every day”, says Joan, who is now keen to “give something back” to the hospitals where she and Christopher were treated.

Joan, of Firbeck Crescent, said: “The fundraising began in October at my 80th birthday party at the Carlton Civic Centre, which 200 people attended.

“I have a hugely supportive bunch of family and friends - what more could you want at 80? I told people I didn’t need any presents, but if they wished they could make a donation to either hospital.

Joan also held a raffle and an auction with prizes donated by companies in Worksop and Retford such as A1 Housing and Phoenix Mobility.

“Christopher and I can’t do the things we did before, but we do what we can,” added Joan, who is also a trustee at Cedar House Hospice.

“I might as well use my time to raise money for this great cause. We wouldn’t be here without the amazing work both these hospitals do. It has been a fantastic community effort with people from all over chipping in.

“I can’t thank those who have donated and helped me on my way to my £3,000 target enough. I will continue to raise money for this important cause - look out for me in supermarkets soon where I’ll be setting up my fundraising stall for Sheffield Hospitals Charity.”

Joan would like to thank the following companies for their donations and services: Tesco, The Savoy Theatre, Helen Featherstone and staff at the Carlton Civic Centre, Extreme Hospitality, Occasions, Moxon’s of Olcotes, Steptoe’s, Whitwell Social Club, singer Wayne Samuel and Manhatten Motown Group along with friends and family.

n If you would like to donate and help Joan reach her target, email [email protected]