Grantown schoolboy follows example of centenarian Captain Tom
A Grantown schoolboy inspired by Captain Tom Moore’s heroic 100 laps walk for the NHS is in the midst of his own centenary challenge.
Ten-year-old Stuart Bowling is hoping to raise £1000 for NHS Charities Together by carrying out a 100-mile sponsored run and walk.
The P5 Grantown Primary School pupil started his quest last Friday and so far has clocked up more than 30 miles during his daily exercise outings.
Stuart told the Strathy: “I want to raise money so the doctors and nurses can buy protective equipment so they don’t get ill and medicine to make people better.”
“I really just want to help the NHS make people better and stay safe. I’m really loving doing my walk. It’s helping keep me and my mum healthy. I’m very happy with how it has gone so far.”
Stuart and his mother Amy have been walking different routes around Grantown.
His proud mum said: “After watching Captain Tom on social media, Stuart decided he wanted to do his bit, and asked if he could do a sponsored walk.
“It was mainly Captain Tom that inspired Stuart to do what he’s doing. He was in awe of what Captain Tom was doing. I was 100 per cent fully behind this from the start as it’s a fantastic cause to raise money for.
“He’s very determined.
“I also make our walks fun so Stuart learns about nature and the animals and insects that live locally.
"He’s not tired at all, absolutely enjoying it and, I’m glad to say, has no blisters.”
* Donations can be made for Stuart’s walk at justgiving.com/fundraising/stuartbowling2020
The appeal by NHS fundraiser Captain Tom Moore topped £30 million today as he celebrated his 100th birthday.
The World War Two veteran originally set out to walk 100 laps of his garden before his milestone with a fundraising target of £1,000.
But his determination captured the public imagination and at around 9.20am earlier today, an hour after the RAF staged a flypast in his honour, he reached £30 million raised for NHS charities.
"Thank you everyone, you are all magnificent," he wrote on Twitter after reaching the total.
Earlier Captain Tom had thanked the public for their "very overwhelming" generosity, telling supporters in a handwritten note that the past few weeks had put a spring in his step.
Top Stories
-
Cromdale businessman fondled 17 year old girl’s breasts and then forcefully kissed her mother
-
Growing Highlands hotel group makes some key new appointments
-
WATCH: Boxing champion Tyson Fury spotted strolling barechested and in kilt along Grantown’s High Street
-
Aviemore children ‘so impressive’ in walking the walk for world’s clean water
He has received thousands of cards from well wishers, including the Queen, and got a birthday message from the Prime Minister.
Captain Tom said: "Reaching 100 is quite something. Reaching 100 with such interest in me and huge generosity from the public is very overwhelming.
"People keep saying what I have done is remarkable, however, it's actually what you have done for me which is remarkable.
"I felt a little frustrated and disappointed after I broke my hip and it knocked my confidence.
"However, the past three weeks have put a spring back in my step. I have renewed purpose and have thoroughly enjoyed every second of this exciting adventure, but I can't keep walking forever."
Captain Tom said the donations page will close this evening, but encouraged people to continue to donate directly to NHS charities.
He finished his message by saying: "My legs may be tired, but my mind is racing and I'm hoping to be back very soon with other ways in which I can help people, help others.
"Please always remember, 'Tomorrow Will Be A Good Day'."
Capt Tom was thanked and wished happy birthday by NHS Charities Together, who will have distributed £20 million to good causes by the end of the week.
Chief executive Ellie Orton said: "Captain Tom's incredible dedication to our appeal has captured the hearts and minds of the UK, and rightly so - what he has achieved will make a lasting difference.
"We cannot thank him enough for all that he's achieved and we wish him a very happy birthday, and look forward to continuing to ensure that what he's done is used to improve the lives of the NHS staff and volunteers that are giving so much to their communities at the moment."
A Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast of a Spitfire and a Hurricane was organised by the RAF to mark his birthday and he was also appointed as an honorary colonel of the Army Foundation College on his special day.
Chief of the General Staff General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith made the appointment, which was approved by the Queen.
The Queen also sent Capt Tom a birthday card which was delivered by the Lord-Lieutenant of Bedfordshire, Helen Nellis.
The card, signed by the Queen, read: "I was also most interested to hear of your recent fundraising efforts for NHS Charities Together at this difficult time.
"I send my congratulations and best wishes to you on such a special occasion."
Speaking about the flypast, Capt Tom said: "I'm one of the few people here who've seen Hurricanes and Spitfires flying past in anger.
"Fortunately today they're all flying peacefully."
He has been spending his special day at home with his daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore and her family, who he has been self-isolating with, and will be joined by his other daughter Lucy and her family digitally.
