A 93-year-old whose walking challenge has raised more than £20,000 towards Friends of Noble’s Hospital has been dubbed a ’hero’ by the charity’s chairman.

Retired farmer Bob Corkish has been working towards his target of 100 laps within Southlands Residential Home in Port Erin. He now has only 18 more laps to go.

The Southlands resident was inspired by Captain Tom Moore, a Yorkshireman who has raised almost £33m towards the NHS by walking 100 lengths of his garden during the pandemic, all before reaching his 100th birthday.

Bob has raised more than £21,500 since beginning his challenge in April.

This prompted a message of thanks from the charity’s chairman, Kevin Kneen.

He said: ’The Friends of Noble’s Hospital 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 and do.’

His daughter, Angie Aire, said Bob’s family are ’very proud’ of him.

’We went down to see him and spoke to him through the window. He’s been really amazed at the public’s reaction,’ she said.

Bob is no stranger to walking challenges, having completed 11 miles aged 86. Although he is finding the lockdown ’a bit hard’, he remains smiling and singing.