Come rain or shine, a World War II veteran, 100, has been on walks for charity, covering hundreds of miles around his garden to raise funds for a good cause.
Regardless of the weather, 100-year-old Lance Corporal Harold Jones from the UK has been circling his backyard thirty times a day since 2020 while pushing his three-wheeled walker, as reported by the Good News Network.
He was motivated by the global press coverage in the early stages of the pandemic honoring the late “Captain Tom,” who generated a significant sum of money for hospitals by doing the same thing.
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The great-grandfather of six, Corporal Jones began the charity walk around his house like “Captain Tom” during lockdown. So far, he has driven his walker 661 miles, or around 41,550 laps around his property.
For those not aware, Captain Sir Thomas Moore, also known as Captain Tom, was a British Army officer and fundraiser who raised money through his charity walk during the COVID-19 pandemic.
At the age of 99, he walked 100 laps of his garden to raise over $41.73 million for NHS Charities Together. He gained fame and received the Helen Rollason Award for his efforts.
On the other hand, Lance Corporal Harold was aiming to maintain his fitness and mobility while being locked up in the house during the pandemic.
He had lost his three pals to motor neuron disease, and this is the reason why he started walking in the first place.
The energetic retired man believes that his stint in the armed forces, which gave him a “high level of endurance,” is the reason for his continued fitness.
As a non-combat office worker during World War II, Harold was stationed first in India and subsequently in Burma while serving in the British Army from 1942 until 1947.
In less than four years, he has raised over $54,000 for the MND Association since he started his fundraising efforts.
Since then, it has turned into a daily routine. “My initial goal was to reach $1,275,” he clarified. “I had no idea how people would react. In a year, I attained a grand. A friend matched my $12,725 when I reached it.”
In observance of Captain Tom, who captured the hearts of the country, and as the anniversary of his passing draws near, Jones is continuing to log the steps.
“I stay in shape because I walk.” Although I had three broken backs in the past, my ankles, knees, and hips are all flawless. I walk every morning after breakfast, no matter the weather.
You just have to be determined to begin moving,” Harold remarked. “That is really crucial.”
Since the MND Association nominated him, the Prime Minister has recognized his heroic actions with a Points of Light award.
