Jason Manford helps a veteran smash his fundraising target.
Comedian and TV presenter has helped a former paratrooper’s fundraiser go viral.
86-year-old former paratrooper, Jeffery Long walked 86 miles in a bid to raise money for the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal.
Mr Long originally had a target of just £1000, but has since smashed this target and has now almost reached a staggering £92,000, after the Manchester comedian’s support on social media.
The former soldier’s fundraising efforts were originally shared to the public by Manford when he tweeted:
“Hey, this will cheer you up. This fella Jeffrey Long MBE is 86 & is walking 86 Miles for Poppy Appeal. He’s raised £300.
“He isn’t on social media but someone on Facebook met him & brought it to my attention so I reposted it, in 15 minutes he’s up to £4500!”
Speaking to Key103, Mr Long now wants to thank the Salford-born star for helping him to smash his target by taking him out to dinner.
He says he’s extremely grateful for everyone that’s donated and the support that he’s received:
“Suddenly the emotion hit me, I was nearly in tears actually at how much people were supporting me. The response has been fantastic for the British legion.”
Although he’s finished this walk for charity, it sounds like the fundraising veteran isn’t quite ready to hang up his walking boots just yet:
“They’re not worn out yet, I have no intention of giving up in fact I’m learning to fly at the moment so I might do something outstanding with an aeroplane. We’ll have to see.”
To donate to Mr Long’s fundraising campaign, go to: https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/Jeffrey-Long1?utm_source=whatsapp