“Inspirational” Joan Sharp is a champion fundraiser

Ashford resident Joan Sharp has raised thousands of pounds for Macmillan Cancer Support over the past 15 years – and now she has been honoured for her hard work and dedication with an award presented by the Mayor of Ashford Cllr Larry Krause.

Joan, aged 85, lives at Baxendale Court in Newtown, a Dahlia independent living scheme run by Ashford Borough Council, and has organised an annual Macmillan coffee morning for the past 15 years, raising hundreds of pounds every year.

Fellow Baxendale residents Claire and David Drummond nominated Joan for a Mayor’s Achievement Award and this week residents, family and people who live in the local community cheered as the Mayor surprised Joan by presenting her with the award at the coffee morning.

The Mayor and Mayoress of Ashford present the award to Joan Sharp

Claire said: “Joan is such an inspirational lady. She is always thinking of others and works so hard to organise this annual event, which is always well attended. Joan is not in the best of health but she doesn’t let that get in the way of helping other people.”

A typically modest Joan played down her achievement and added: “This is such a lovely surprise. I didn’t expect to receive an award but it’s wonderful that people have come along to support the charity.” 

There are 10 Dahlia schemes located across Ashford, Tenterden, Wye, Hamstreet and Rolvenden. The council is moving away from traditional sheltered housing provision, giving older residents more choice and variety of independent living options. Old-fashioned perceptions of sheltered housing have been replaced by a new model of housing provision for older people. Dahlia stands for Desirable Affordable Housing Linking Independence (and) Age.  

For more information about the Dahlia independent living schemes visit our website.