Ninety-three-year-old retired farmer Bob Corkish set himself the modest fundraising target of £500 when he decided to support Noble’s Hospital during the pandemic.

But less than two weeks into his challenge to walk 100 laps at Southlands residential home, in Port Erin, the total stands at more than £18,500.

Bob is raising funds for The Friends of Noble’s Hospital after being inspired by 99-year-old Yorkshireman Captain Tom Moore, who has raised more than £29 million for the NHS by walking 100 lengths of his garden before his 100th birthday.

Bob’s daughter Angie Aire told the Manx Independent: ’His family are super proud of their dad, grandad and great grandad.

’£18.5k for Noble’s Hospital is amazing and we would like to thank most warmly all those who have donated to this cause and left meaningful and uplifting messages for Bob.’

She added: ’He’s probably not totally aware of the fantastic support he has outside of Southlands apart from what we and his fantastic care workers are telling him.

’Because dad has limited vision he can’t read any papers or see any social media coverage but I know the staff are reading to him some articles about his challenge.

’One of the family speak to Dad daily by telephone but it’s not the same as being with him in person and giving him a hug.’

Bob, who farmed at Ballabeg, had originally planned to complete laps of the inside ground floor at Southlands.

But Angie explained: ’He’s been doing his walks in the mornings around the garden which is much bigger than the inside ground floor he intended to walk so he needs to just not overdo it.

’There’s no time limit so he can just do it at his own pace.’

He is now more than halfway through the challenge. By yesterday (Wednesday) he had completed 55 laps.

More than 700 donations have been made through his JustGiving page, including £100 from Arbory Commissioners.

One of his biggest supporters is his four-year-old great grandson Odin Egee, who lives in Peel.

Angie thanked the management and staff at the home for their ’wonderful care and support’.

The Friends of Noble’s Hospital chairman Kevin Kneen said: ’The Friends are humbled by all the donations and support we have received in recent days, and in particular for the fundraising efforts of Bob Corkish.

’Instead of resting and reflecting on his wonderful life he has thought of others.

’He is a hero, and someone we admire greatly.

’We can promise that all funds raised will 100% go to providing comforts to the patients of Noble’s Hospital.

’Particularly at this unprecedented time everything we can do to help the patients of Noble’s we will try to do.’

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