It is hoped a fundraising stalwart will be recognised at an awards ceremony dedicated to volunteers.

Joyce Fuller died of pneumonia at Medway Maritime Hospital, Gillingham, on New Year’s Eve 2012.

Until she passed away, the 88-year-old, of Berkeley Court, Sittingbourne, was vice-president of the Sittingbourne Society, president of Swale Footpaths Groups and a member of the joint governing body for The Oaks Infants and Minterne Junior School.

She was also a lifelong active member of the Sittingbourne and Sheppey Conservative Association, where she was deputy chairman with special responsibility for Conservative Policy Forum discussion.

But it was her work for the British Heart Foundation for which she is best remembered.

After losing her husband Bill, aged 58, to a heart attack in 1978, she set up the Swale and Sittingbourne branch for the charity in 1984.

Over the years she organised various fundraising events such as sponsored swims, walks and skipping events, generating £250,000 for the foundation.

To celebrate her efforts, Kim Brophy, BHF’s community fundraising manager for Kent and East Sussex, has suggested a posthumous award for outstanding achievement for Mrs Fuller in the 2014 Volunteer Swale Awards. The event is being organised by Swale council and supported by the Sittingbourne News Extra to recognise the unsung heroes of the borough.

Mrs Brophy said: “I’m hoping to submit an application this week, but in order for the award to be made, people need to vote for Joyce. I’m hoping people will get behind this as part of the legacy she left behind.

“She was a remarkable lady and a fantastic ambassador for the charity, and her efforts shouldn’t go unrecognised.”

The charity is still looking for a volunteer to raise funds in the area. Mrs Brophy added: “Unfortunately, I have not had any success in finding someone to takeover.

“At the moment my Maidstone volunteer is doing talks etc for me in the area, but there is no other fundraising activity being organised in Sittingbourne as such, which is a great shame, especially as February is our focus month.

“Part of that is encouraging people to wear red on Friday, February 7, for our Ramp Up The Red campaign.”

Anyone interested in taking on the role is asked to call Mrs Brophy on 07860 954235 or email brophyk@bhf.org.uk – visit www.rampupthered.org.uk or call 08000 316 316 for your free fundraising pack for Ramp Up The Red.