Meet Pte Joseph Hammond, the World War II Veteran who has been raising funds for frontline health worked and other veterans in Africa.
Due to his fundraising efforts and exemplary volunteerism, British Queen, HRM Elizabeth II has announced that the United Kingdom will honour him with the Point of Light Award.
Reacting to the news of his honorary award, the 95-year-old said he “was overwhelmed and filled with joy.”
A statement by the British High Commissioner to Ghana, Iain Walker announced that the Queen will honour Pte Hammond for his outstanding work to change lives at an unspecified date.
“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,” a portion of the statement read.
“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.”
READ MORE: Prof. Dr Marylyn Addo is the German-born Ghanaian virologist creating a vaccine for COVID-19
Pte Hammond who walked two miles each day in May said he was inspired by British veteran Capt Tom Moore, who raised more than £32m in the UK to fight Covid-19 for his 100th birthday.
Hammond completed a 14-mile walk which raised $35,000 for frontline health workers and African veterans; a campaign which attracted scores of supporters including Iain Walker.
Prior to this award, he had also received a letter from Prince Harry congratulating him on his walk.
Pte Hammond was drafted into the Royal West African Frontier Force at the age 16 and fought in Burma with British and Allied Solidiers in World War II.