A PLUCKY great-great grandmother has completed her 100 "stand-ups" challenge before her 100th birthday – raising more than £20,000 in the process.

Joyce Richardson, who has struggled with her mobility since contracting sepsis last summer, set herself a challenge to complete 100 ten-second stand ups before she turned 100 on June 2.

She celebrated her milestone birthday on Tuesday and also celebrated completing her challenge which has raised £21,257 for Herriot Hospice Homecare.

Joyce also received a special birthday message from fellow inspirational Yorkshire centenarian, Captain Sir Tom Moore, who captured the hearts of the nation by walking laps of his garden for the NHS.

A message to Joyce from Captain Tom’s Twitter account read: “Welcome to the club Joyce, 100-years-young today.

“And congratulations on your challenge for a great cause. Stay Safe.”

The team at Herriot Hospice Homecare also sent a video message with staff and trustees wishing Joyce a wonderful day and thanking her for her tremendous fundraising efforts.

Joyce said: “It may not seem much to most people but, believe you and me, hauling myself up out of the chair is a huge struggle every time.

“I want to support Herriot Hospice Homecare as a thank you to them for the wonderful support they gave to my family last year, and raise money to help them support other individuals and families in similar circumstances.”

The chief executive of Herriot Hospice Homecare, Tony Collins, said: “Everyone at Herriot Hospice Homecare has been inspired by Joyce’s challenge, and her remarkable courage, spirit and perseverance.

“The money raised will go directly to help more individuals and their families to get home-based end-of-life care and bereavement support across Hambleton and Richmondshire.”

Joyce is currently enjoying all of the well wishes that she has received for her 100th birthday; safe in the knowledge that she has exceeded her target, to the benefit of so many.

And the fact that she completed her stand up challenge is no surprise to her family who know all about her determined spirit.

In 1941, she joined the Women’s Land Army aged 21-years-old to do her bit for the war effort.

She joked that the stand up challenge would have been no problem for her when she was a strong young Land Girl.

Joyce had planned to have a 1940s-themed party for her birthday but coronavirus social distancing measures forced its cancellation.

However, she is hoping to celebrate the occasion more fully later in the year when it is safe to do so.