Army Veteran Tom Moore Raises ~£9m
Sources: BBC News / Evening Standard / The Guardian
 
 
A 99-year-old army veteran who has raised more than £7m to help the NHS in the fight against Covid-19 has vowed to keep going even though he has far surpassed his original target.
 
Tom Moore aimed to complete 100 laps of his Bedfordshire garden by Thursday, walking with the aid of a frame. However he has now said he will not stop and hopes to do another 100.  NHS Charities Together, which will benefit from the funds, said it was "truly inspired and humbled".
 
Nearly 170,000 people from around the world have donated money to his fundraising page since it was set up last week.  Mr Moore began raising funds to thank the magnificent NHS staff who helped him with treatment for cancer and a broken hip.
 
He hoped to walk 100 laps of the 25-metre (82ft) loop in his garden in Marston Moretaine, in 10-lap chunks, before his 100th birthday at the end of the month.
 
 
As funds topped the £1m mark "Captain Tom", as he is known, described it as "almost unbelievable".  Overwhelmed by the generosity of the public, Captain Moore said: "It’s marvellous for our doctors and nurses on the front line.”
Ellie Orton, chief executive of the NHS charity said: "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."
 
Comment: What a great way to raise funds to support the efforts in combating Corvid-19.  Perhaps we might look at something similar targeting the efforts of organisations that are supporting affected families through this challenging time?