With a sip of Scotch and heartfelt thanks for the generosity of his fans gathered, 103-year-old John Hillman finished 103 laps of his courtyard Friday (May 13).
ItB次元官网网址檚 the third consecutive year the Second World War veteran made daily loops of the courtyard outside his home at Carlton House in Oak Bay to raise funds for Save the Children. The global organization helps provide families and children with essential food, clean water and healthcare.
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He raised $215,000 through the last two events B次元官网网址� 101 laps in 2020 and 102 laps in 2021 B次元官网网址� inspired by fellow British veteran, the late Capt. Tom Moore, who raised funds walking laps at his UK residence in 2020. After learning Moore died in February 2021, Hillman repeated the event that year. Moore and the children, particularly those living in Ukraine, continue to be HillmanB次元官网网址檚 inspiration.
As he finished his laps, Hillman stopped to sing along with performer Stephanie Greaves who prepared a pair of Vera Lynn songs at the centenarianB次元官网网址檚 request.
At the start of the final laps, his fundraising tally (with a goal of $103,000 to support Save the Children) sat just beyond $80,000. While Hillman thanked the community for its giving nature, MLA Murray Rankin suggested it could be just the beginning.
Those looking to help Hillman hit his target have until the end of May. To learn more, or to donate, go to .
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