Farmer, 91, raises over £34K for NHS
21st April 2020
Inspired by Captain Tom Moore, who has raised millions for the NHS, 91-year-old farmer Rhythwyn Evans, celebrated his birthday by setting himself a personal challenge of walking around his home 91 times.
© Evans family photo/JustGiving
Ninety-one year old farmer Rhythwyn Evans celebrated his birthday this year by setting himself a personal challenge to walk around his home 91 times.
He has so far raised more than £34,000 for NHS charities, smashing his original target of £1,000.
Rhythwyn, who lives near Lampeter in West Wales, decided to do the walk in solidarity with Captain Tom Moore, who has raised over £23 million for NHS charities by walking laps of his garden to mark his 100th birthday.
Speaking to ITV news, Rhythwyn’s son Dai said the family is stunned by his achievement. “It’s been like a dream really, we never expected such huge publicity and such massive support from people that we know – friends and family and a huge amount of people far and wide.”
He added: “I’m exceptionally proud. I was proud of him even before this, obviously, but this in an hour of need when all the doctors, nurses and careworkers are putting their lives on the line on a daily basis, I thought this was a very sincere gesture by my father to raise funds and to try and make their life a little bit easier and just try and support them in whatever way we can.”
On Rhythwyn’s JustGiving page, he said his 90th birthday was ‘unforgettable’, surrounded by family, neighbours and friends, but this year is different and he wanted to give something back to his community.
He wants to support his local health board, Hywel Dda, to show his gratitude for the outstanding efforts of its workers during the Covid-19 crisis.
All money raised will go to the Hywel Dda NHS COVID-19 Appeal, organised by Hywel Dda Health Charities, supporting the welfare and wellbeing of NHS staff and volunteers who are caring for Covid-19 patients.
