In a remarkable display of determination, a 99-year-old retired British Army veteran, Captain Alan Smith, decided to take action in support of National Health Service (NHS) workers battling the coronavirus pandemic. With his centennial birthday just around the corner, he aimed to raise £1,000 by walking 100 laps around his garden. However, his efforts quickly gained momentum, and as of this morning, he has raised nearly £20 million ($23 million USD).
Captain Smith, who served in the military during World War II in Asia, made an ambitious pledge to walk 100 laps in increments of ten, adorned in his military uniform and using a walker for support. He completed his final ten laps on April 16th, and following extensive media coverage, his JustGiving page was inundated with donations from hundreds of thousands of people who far exceeded his original fundraising target.
In an interview with BBC News, Smith expressed his astonishment at the total amount raised, calling it an “absolutely fantastic sum of money.” He added, “I feel fine, and I hope you’re all feeling fine too.” Over 800,000 individuals have contributed, including a generous donation from the Duke of Cambridge, Prince Edward, who praised Captain Smith as a “one-man fundraising phenomenon.”
With his initiative, Smith aimed to show gratitude to the “magnificent” NHS staff who aided him through previous health challenges, including overcoming cancer and a broken hip. The fundraising platform JustGiving confirmed that this is the highest amount ever raised in a single campaign, even contributing £100,000 themselves to the cause. “I never imagined I would be part of something like this,” he remarked.
His daughter, Emily Smith, described him as “a beacon of hope during difficult times.” She noted that such inspiring figures are essential for uplifting spirits and supporting incredible causes. Captain Smith emphasized, “Remember, we will get through this; the clouds will eventually part, and the sun will shine again.”
The veteran has received countless messages of appreciation from NHS workers, and a petition advocating for him to receive a knighthood has garnered over 300,000 signatures. Despite the challenges posed by the pandemic, Captain Smith remains committed to continuing his fundraising efforts for the NHS. Though he will not have a grand celebration for his upcoming 100th birthday, he expressed that the outpouring of love and support is celebration enough.
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Summary
Captain Alan Smith, a 99-year-old British Army veteran, raised an astonishing $23 million for NHS Charities Together by walking 100 laps around his garden. His efforts, initially aimed at raising just £1,000, have inspired over 800,000 contributors, including Prince Edward. Despite the ongoing pandemic, he remains committed to helping NHS workers and believes that brighter days are ahead.