Portsmouth disabled Royal Navy veteran inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore completes 100 laps of garden for NHS charity

Michael North, from Portsmouth, is currently shielding due to coronavirus but the 85-year-old was determined to keep fit and make a difference for NHS staff.

He decided to walk 250,000 steps around his garden to support Brighterway, part of Southern Health NHS Foundation Trust.

The challenge was inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore, who raised nearly £33m for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden.

Michael said: ‘As a disabled Naval Veteran, who has some other connected problems, I have like many others been told to stay at home. So confronted with that I knew that I needed to keep as fit as possible. With the aid of two walking sticks, I planned a route around our quite small garden, which I called a lap, and borne from that promised myself to do a 100 laps a day.

‘I have done 254,000 steps so far or so my aching knees tell me. I could never emulate Major Tom’s tremendous effort but I could contribute.’

Michael wants to raise £2,500 – a penny a step – for the charity which supports staff and clients at Southern Health.

He added: ‘I remember when my mum turned round to me and said that we wouldn’t have to pay for healthcare anymore as we were getting a national health service. At the time it went right over my head but now I am such a champion of the NHS and everything they do.

‘I am a public governor at Southern Health and I am passionate about their mental healthcare as I think it is something that will be a bigger problem going forward.’

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Ian Hynd, head of Brighterway Charity, said: ‘We are delighted that Michael has chosen to fundraise for our Covid-19 Appeal. The money raised will greatly benefit our staff and service users throughout this challenging time.

‘Without the continued support of people like Michael, we wouldn’t be able to continue to grant-make and provide well-being support. Brighterway are here to help the people cared for by Southern Health lead a brighter life, above and beyond NHS funding.’

To donate visit justgiving.com/fundraising/Michael-North3

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