A Perthshire man has taken inspiration from Captain Tom in his endeavour to raise funds for the NHS.
Ian Ford, 66, of Dunkeld will walk laps of a field close to his home for four hours each day for three weeks until May 30. Each lap is more than 300 paces.
He aims to raise £10,000 for the Tayside Health Fund and NHS Tayside Endowments.
A former Royal Air Force serviceman, Ian has completed three marathons and 13 half marathons, and has raised more than £60,000 for charities through previous fundraisers, something he says he “loved” to do.
He said: “Captain Tom has inspired me to do this event and I am amazed at the wonderful work he has completed to help the NHS.
“At his time of life, it is no easy feat, to exercise as he has done.
“His heart is with the people of this country and the NHS has benefited greatly. He has a wonderful heart.”
Ian says the NHS staff require more protective equipment, especially during the ongoing coronavirus pandemic.
He added: “The NHS is still in need of funding for new hospitals, doctors, nurses, and equipment.
“Of course, lots more protective clothing is required.
“[NHS nurses] all need to be kept safe and their welfare needs to be attended to.”
For Ian, the NHS also is of significant personal importance.
It has helped him through some highly difficult times for him in which he has faced a number of health challenges.
He said: “I have been through back surgery and it is pending for more work to be done by a neurosurgeon.
“The last year has seen me go through three heart surgeries, a stroke, internal bleeding, and nine stents.”
He added: “The NHS has done a sterling job caring for me, the doctors, and especially the nurses are all overworked it never stops for them. I am proud of the work they are doing, especially in these hard times putting their lives at risk.”
Anyone who wishes to support Ian with his fundraiser can make a donation on his JustGiving page.
