A GREAT great-grandmother who has virtually lost the use of her legs is determined to complete 100 'stand ups' for Herriot Hospice Homecare before her 100th birthday.

Joyce Richardson, 99, found herself unable to walk following a hospital stay whilst recovering from sepsis last summer.

She now relies on a hoist to help her into chairs but she has challenged herself to completing 100 stand-ups before she turns 100 on June 2 this year.

Her intention is to stand up for a full ten seconds each time, reaching 1,000 seconds by her birthday.

She will be willing her unsteady legs and battling though her rheumatism pain to achieve that goal but says she is determined to do it.

And her pledge has already raised more than £1,600 for the Herriot Hospice charity which is close to the family's heart as it provided care for Joyce's eldest son John before he tragically passed last year.

Joyce said she was 'surprised' by the amount that people have already donated to her cause, saying: "I never expected it at all, or all this publicity, it isn't me really.

"But I am determined, I am going to do it.

"I will be finished, all being well, by the time it is my birthday I will have done my hundred stand ups."

Joyce, who lives near Thirsk in North Yorkshire, is no stranger to grit and determination, having served in the Women's Land Army during the Second World War.

She was due to have a 1940s themed 100th birthday party next month with 200-people invited but sadly the coronavirus lockdown cancelled those plans.

Instead, she is hoping to see her five grandchildren,11 great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren at different times on the day from a safe distance in her garden.

She said: "When it is all cleared up and if I am still here, we will definitely have another party." Joyce's daughter Gill is proud of her mum's fundraising efforts, saying: "It is just so wonderful that she is doing it.

"She has always been the centre of the family, always welcoming everybody and being so hospitable to all the extended family.

"I know it's hard for her not being able to do things like make cups of tea for people, but the stand up idea is her character all the way through - still wanting to help other people It is brilliant."

Chief Executive of Herriot Hospice Homecare Tony Collins said: “We’ve all been inspired by Joyce’s huge challenge of completing 100 stand ups ahead of her milestone birthday, and would like to say a massive thank you for her fantastic support.

“The money Joyce raises will help us to continue providing home-based end-of-life care and bereavement support to our communities across Hambleton and Richmondshire.

“From everybody at Herriot Hospice Homecare, we’d like to wish Joyce a wonderful and very happy 100th birthday, and send lots of good luck for the remainder of her challenge.”

To support Joyce's challenge, donate here