A 99-year-old British World War II veteran who has become a global phenomenon for his fundraising efforts has raised almost 27 million pounds ($50 million) for health workers fighting coronavirus, Yahoo News reports.
Tom Moore, a captain who served in India, completed his target of 100 laps of his 25-metre garden, with the help of his walking frame, on Thursday but is still pacing his grounds as the funds continue to pour in.
Around 900,000 people have now sponsored the veteran, who has provided a much-needed good news story to a public inundated with grim pandemic coverage, with politicians, royals and celebrities praising him as an “inspiration”.
“Thank you so much for your INCREDIBLE support and generosity so far,” said the captain, who turns 100 at the end of the month, in his latest Twitter update.
Moore initially set himself the goal of raising 1,000 pounds for a National Health Service (NHS) charity in time for his birthday, after receiving treatment for cancer and a broken hip.
“It’s incredible, it’s amazing,” Britain’s Prince William said of his achievement.
“He’s been around a long time, he knows everything, it’s wonderful that everyone has been inspired by his story and determination.”
England football captain Harry Kane said Moore was “an inspiration… to the whole country”.
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WWII veteran, 99, raises nearly 20 mn pounds for UK health workers (Yahoo News)
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