War vet’s 100 laps raises £20m

A 99-YEAR-OLD British World War II veteran has become a global phenomenon for his fundraising efforts that produced almost £20 million (HK$195 million) for health workers fighting coronavirus.

Tom Moore, a captain who served in India (印度), completed his target of 100 laps around his 25-metre garden, with the help of his walking frame.

Around 900,000 people have sponsored the veteran, who has provided much-needed good news for 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 a goal of raising £1,000 (HK$9,635) for a National Health Service (NHS) charity in time for his birthday, after receiving treatment for cancer and a broken hip. But his efforts have made him a global star during the Covid-19 pandemic.

“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.”

Prime Minister Boris Johnson was looking at ways to reward Moore for “a lifetime of bravery and compassion”.

Meanwhile, Margaret Payne, age 90, aims to climb the equivalent height of the Highland mountain Suilven – 731m – with 282 trips upstairs at her Sutherland home.

(This article is published on Junior Standard on 27 April 2020)

Hunger for ‘good news’ grows as coronavirus pandemic woes deepen
www.bit.ly/2KoHzmj

Good News Network
www.bit.ly/34PqECV