Hazel is no ordinary 89-year-old.
A much-loved local lady who has raised an incredible £88,000 for BBC Children in Need has celebrated her 89th birthday – and she’s certainly not slowing down!
Hazel Collis celebrated her birthday surrounded by cards, flowers and well-wishers at her care home in Burntwood, where she has recently moved to live.
But Hazel is no ordinary 89-year-old. Over the years, she has become something of a local celebrity thanks to her remarkable fundraising efforts, which have seen her raise an astonishing £88,000 for BBC Children in Need.
And when asked why she chose to support the charity, Hazel’s answer was beautifully simple: “Well, it’s for the children, isn’t it?!”
Born in Ramsgate, Kent, Hazel moved to the Chasetown area after meeting her husband, Alf. The couple enjoyed 67 happy years together before Alf sadly passed away in 2023.
Alongside raising their three children, Hazel dedicated an incredible amount of time and energy to helping others. Her fundraising took her from pub to pub and factory to factory, rattling collection boxes and organising car boot sales with donations from generous local people.
Even her day job didn’t escape her fundraising enthusiasm! Hazel worked for 34 years as a petrol assistant at Bridge Cross Garage, where customers could also contribute to her collection boxes.
Her extraordinary dedication was recognised in 2004 when she was awarded an MBE by Prince Charles for her fundraising work, which had already spanned 28 years.
And her connection with Children in Need continued. In November 2024, Hazel was invited to BBC Manchester to attend the charity’s live show, where she had the opportunity to speak to presenters from her seat in the audience.
It’s little wonder that Hazel is so well known and loved in the local community.
Her eldest daughter, Lee-Ann, said “it takes twice as long to get anywhere with Mum because she knows everyone and they all stop to speak to her”, adding: “She’s a local celebrity!”
Hazel’s family clearly adore her, too. With three children, four grandchildren and six great-grandchildren, she has a large family who know better than most that Hazel has always done things her own way.
Affectionately nicknamed ‘Gangsta Granny’ by her family, Hazel is fiercely independent, strong-willed and not always one to follow instructions!
Her youngest daughter, Jean, says her mum’s determination was never more apparent than earlier this year, when Hazel suffered a stroke in June and was placed on end-of-life care.
The family gathered to say their goodbyes, and the vicar came to read the last rites. But Hazel had other ideas.
“The next morning she was sat up in bed with a bowl of porridge, demanding hot chocolate!” Jean recalled.
She is definitely unique! That best describes the spirit of Hazel.
That spirit was certainly in evidence as she celebrated her 89th birthday, with a room full of cards and flowers serving as a reminder of just how many people she has touched throughout her life.
From her tireless fundraising and well-deserved MBE to her determination to live life on her own terms, Hazel Collis is proof that one person really can make a difference.
And with her trademark stubbornness and infectious spirit still going strong, Burntwood’s very own ‘Gangsta Granny’ is clearly a lady who refuses to be told what to do – even at 89!
