A 99-year-old war veteran has raised nearly more than 4 million pounds ($AUD 8.05 million) for British healthcare workers by attempting to walk the length of his garden one hundred times before his 100th birthday later this month.
Captain Tom Moore has used a walking frame to move around since breaking his hip and said that he was incredibly grateful to the National Health Service (NHS) for the treatment he received.
He wanted to do something in return to say thank you, and the aim is to do 10 laps a day before the end of the month.
Britain’s state-funded NHS is under intense strain as it treats large numbers of people suffering from COVID-19.
Moore turns 100 on April 30 and had hoped to raise 500,000 pounds. He has since quadrupled that figure and more already thanks to the generosity of 205,326 supporters.
NHS Charities Together, who will benefit from the funds, said that it was “truly inspired and humbled”.
Ellie Orton, chief executive of the charity, had nothing but praise for Tom Moore.
“I think I absolutely join the rest of the country in being truly inspired and profoundly humbled by Captain Tom and what he has achieved.
“Thank you for being an inspiration and a role model.”
Moore couldn’t believe his eyes as funds went over the 4 million pound mark and said that it was “almost unbelievable”.
The veteran who served in Asia during World War II had a message of hope.
“That's the way I think I've always looked at things: tomorrow will be a good day,” he said.
Photo credits: Just Giving
This article originally appeared on Over60.