99 problems but raising money ain't one
18 April 2020 at 8:00 am
A 99-year-old retired army captain has raised more than $23 million for UK health workers
A UK World War II veteran has become an unlikely fundraising hero during the coronavirus pandemic, raising millions for the National Health Service by walking laps of his garden using a zimmer frame.
Captain Tom Moore recently set a target to walk 25 metres around his garden in Bedfordshire 100 times before his 100th birthday on 30 April.
While Moore initially aimed to raise £1,000, the campaign soon went viral, with donations flowing in from around the world.
His fundraising efforts have so far raised more than £11 million ($23 million) for NHS Charities Together, which is supporting NHS staff and volunteers caring for COVID-19 patients.
He’s done it 🎆🎇🎆🎇
Captain Tom Moore has just raised more than £10 million for NHS Charities Together#tomorrowwillbeagoodday @captaintommoore #walkwithtom pic.twitter.com/mYupZ7h3aj
— BBC Three Counties (@BBC3CR) April 15, 2020
Moore told the BBC he wanted to raise funds to thank the NHS staff who helped him during his treatment for cancer and a broken hip.
“When you think of who it is all for – all those brave and super doctors and nurses we have got – I think they deserve every penny, and I hope we get some more for them too,” Moore said.
Moore served in the army during World War II, rising to the rank of captain and spending time in India and Burma.
His efforts have inspired the UK community, which is reeling from more than 12,000 COVID-19 deaths.
Ellie Orton, the CEO of NHS Charities Together, thanked Moore for being “an inspiration and a role model” during a time of deep crisis.
“I think I join the rest of the country in being truly inspired and profoundly humbled by Capt. Tom and what he’s achieved,” Orton said.
Moore – who has been completing 10 laps a day – indicated he will continue walking beyond his 100-lap target if people continue to give.
“I will have done the 100 laps [soon]… I’ll continue walking while people continue to give money to the NHS,” Moore said.
‘I will have done the 100 laps tomorrow… I’ll continue walking while people continue to give money to the NHS’ – Captain Thomas Moore has now raised over £8 million for the NHS by doing laps of his garden before his 100th birthday.
More about Tom here: https://t.co/sPVsm4CWMk pic.twitter.com/TxaVMiYnem
— SkyNews (@SkyNews) April 15, 2020
Those interested in giving to the campaign can do so here.
