98-year-old WWII veteran, Owen Hillier, from Nunney, has pledged to walk 100 metres a day, every day, until the end of lockdown, to raise money for Dorothy House.
Owen, who has been awarded an MBE for his services to the community, started his challenge on Easter Sunday – one week after his 98th birthday. Within two days he had raised over £450 of his £1,000 goal.
Owen decided to ‘step up’ for Dorothy House when his daughter, Sue Edwards, told him about the hospice’s emergency appeal for funds. Sue said, “Dad has always done things for charity and the community and this was something he felt he could offer. He’s partially sighted but still pretty mobile. This is really up his street.”
Owen is walking in memory of his grandson, James Eyers, who was killed in a car accident in 2007, but who was fundraising for Dorothy House at the time of his death. James’ family have been supporting Dorothy House ever since, as a tribute to James and, to continue the fundraising he began. So far, they’ve raised nearly £72,000. Sue said, “James would be so proud of his Grandad.”
In World War II, Owen was a member of the air force service police for Bomber Command in Kilmington. After that, he worked for Mendip District Council and, until recently, has been an active community volunteer.
Owen’s Just Giving page is at: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/susan-edwards27
Wayne de Leeuw, Chief Executive at Dorothy House said, “Owen is an inspiration! We are humbled by his commitment to ‘step up’ for the hospice at this time. WWII was an unprecedented time in our history and during this time he served his country; today, at another extraordinary time in history, his support will help us meet the needs of our community as we play our part to face this pandemic head on.”
To donate to the Stepping Up emergency appeal as a one-off or regular payment or to register to volunteer visit www.dorothyhouse.org.uk For information on current Dorothy House services call
T: 0345 0130 555.
