The island’s answer to Captain Tom Moore is putting his best foot forward for charity.

Bob Corkish, aged 93, is aiming to walk 100 laps of the ground floor of Southlands residential home, in Port Erin, where he lives.

The retired farmer from Ballabeg has been inspired by 99-year-old Yorkshireman Captain Tom, who has raised more than £25 million for the NHS by walking 100 lengths of his garden before his 100th birthday.

Bob set out to raise £500 for the Friends of Noble’s Hospital through his ’Bob’s Southern 100 Challenge’ by completing his laps each morning over the next few weeks.

He raised more than £5,000 on Sunday alone, which marked the first day of his challenge and saw him complete his first five laps.

And his total climbed yesterday to more than £7,000.

His daughter Angie Aire, of Onchan, said: ’Dad is delighted with everyone’s response and is laughing and smiling all the way.

’Huge thanks to you all - let’s keep supporting Noble’s Hospital.’ ß??

Bob is no stranger to walking challenges.

In 2013 and at the age of 86, he took part in the Parish Walk, walking 11 miles to Santon alongside Angie and his grandson Matthew.

They raised £1,730 for Manx Blind Welfare.

The Friends of Noble’s Hospital announced last week that it was buying nine ventilators at a cost of £204,000, for use during the Covid crisis.

The donation has been made possible by continued support from the Scheinberg Foundation.

To find out more and to sponsor Bob, visit www. justgiving.com/crowdfunding/bobcorkish

Meanwhile, Second World War veteran Hector Duff has posted a video message on Facebook wishing Captain Tom a happy 100th birthday and congratulating him on his fundraising efforts.

’It’s wonderful to see you so close to your 100th birthday and I will be looking forward to it as much as you will be.’

Speaking of his walking challenge, the 100-year-old veteran said: ’I couldn’t do it on my driveway - it’s too steep!’

He added: ’I’m sure your family and regiment are very proud of you.’

Watch the video on the ’Armed Forces Day, Isle of Man’ Facebook page.