Joan’s Walk in Allenby Park 102 laps by her 102nd birthday, Joan was an inspiration during the first lockdown of 2020. Here’s Joan’s story... There is a new tree in Allenby Park, with a plaque: ‘Planted by Felixstowe Town Council in honour of retired nurse, Joan Rich. On her 102nd birthday Joan completed her mission of walking 102 laps of this park to raise funds for the NHS during the 2020 coronavirus pandemic.’ On display in Joan’s house are certificates from Felixstowe Town Council, the Royal British Legion, Felixstowe Branch, and a wall plaque awarded by the Royal Military Police, congratulating Joan. Joan, who worked at Felixstowe General Hospital, started her walk for NHS Charities on 22nd April 2020, the day Allenby Park gates re-opened. When she saw the ‘LOVE NHS’ motif in the grass, Joan wanted to help. The only way was to follow Captain Tom’s lead. Her daughter, Diane, set up a JustGiving page announcing Joan’s aim 28
The Felixstowe Magazine - 2021
to complete 102 x 560 metre circuits of Allenby Park, before her 102nd birthday in September, walking over 35 miles(56km). The target was a modest £1020. To start with, national lockdown meant that the park was empty. Joan often thought of her twins playing there. She was moved by children supporting her. Saffron Rose(8) did a sponsored silence. Lily(8), Sam(6), and Jane(5), sponsored by their grandfather, completed weekly challenges - obstacle courses, trampolining, cycling, running, scooting 10k or 5k distances. Louis(10), gave Joan a painting, Starry Night, the product of an on-line lockdown art class. The blues in the sky go with Joan’s kitchen and the moon-yellow matches the handle on her favourite cup. The painting means more to Joan than Van Gogh’s original ever could. When Joan walked on the anniversary of the founding of the NHS, she said, ‘I’m 30 years older than the NHS and I want to make sure it lasts longer than me!’ She remembered her nursing duties, in the 196070s, and walking in Allenby Park to retrieve patients who had absconded there. Once more she walked the park to do her bit! Sarah Ann Gray, of Bumba Fitness, ran a special online Zumba Class to raise money for Joan’s cause.
