Photo of Harold Jones taken by Anita Maric for The Mirror.
Who said older people cannot have impact on the community around them?
Don’t tell that to Harold Jones, a 100-year-old man who lives in England. He has been walking laps around his backyard garden 30 times every day since 2020 to raise more than $55,000 to help fund research into motor neuron disease, which affects the nerves known as motor neurons.
According to the Mirror, Harold has completed 41,500 laps, which is the equivalent of 661 miles. He was inspired to begin the effort during the COVID lockdowns.
“It has become a daily routine ever since. I set out to try and get to £1,000,” said Harold. “I didn’t know how people would respond. I reached a grand in a year. And when I reached £10,000 a friend doubled it. I’ve done 41,550 laps.”
He managed the feat despite breaking his back in three places. Harold served as a lance corporal in the British Army during World War II. Today, the father of two is also a great-grandfather to six.
“It’s the walking that keeps me fit. I previously broke my back in three places but my ankles, knee joints and hips are perfect,” Harold said.
He wanted to support the MND Association after several of his friends died of motor neuron disease, the Mirror explained.
The full story can be found at the Mirror.
After closing his business and enduring several painful years of uncertainty regarding what to do with his life, Greg founded Forward From 50 to help men and women over 50 to live more purposeful lives by pursuing things they are passionate about. A Wisconsin native, Greg currently lives in Arizona.