A 95-year-old World War Two veteran from Ghana’s quest to help his nation fight the dreaded coronavirus pandemic has earned him the Commonwealth Point of Light honour from her Majesty the Queen of England.
Private Joseph Hammond set himself the challenge of walking two miles a day for a week and raised over £35,000 for coronavirus charities as he was inspired by the video of the UK’s Captain Tom Moore who raised millions by walking in his garden. The money he raised will be used to purchase personal protection equipment (PPE) for Covid-19 front-line workers and vulnerable veterans in Commonwealth countries.
Iain Walker, UK High Commissioner in Ghana, said: “Her Majesty The Queen presents Points of Light awards to outstanding volunteers across the Commonwealth who change the lives of their community: Private Hammond exemplifies these qualities.
“I enjoyed being part of Joseph’s walk, joining him to raise funds for veterans and hardworking, frontline health workers coping with the everyday impacts of COVID-19.
“It has been a privilege to get to know Private Hammond and to experience his selflessness. He is a force of nature and an inspiration to many, including me.”
Private Hammond also said: “I was overwhelmed and filled with joy when I heard I have been chosen to be honoured by Her Majesty the Queen. This will linger in my memory forever. I wish to thank the mother of the Commonwealth, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and all those who have made this possible.”
