John Hillman, a 101-year-old Second World War veteran, waves at friends and cheering supporters as he completes his daily laps around the courtyard of his Oak Bay retirement home.
In a matter of days, the centenarian has raised $76,970 for Save the Children Canada’s emergency COVID-19 relief fund, and he’s fairly certain he will surpass his goal of 101 laps and $101,000.
“I feel that I can do something for [the children],” Hillman said after his five laps on Thursday morning.
“I’ve had a good eventful life. But my life is nearly over, I think, so I’m hoping that I can provide some solace to the youngsters coming on and that’s what it’s all about.”
Hillman, his service medals adorning his blazer and a heart flag fixed to his red walker, places a tick on a blackboard after each lap.
He said he thinks he could manage 10 laps a day, but staff at Carlton House of Oak Bay advised him not to overdo it.
He was inspired by 100-year-old veteran Capt. Tom Moore, who raised $55 million for the U.K.’s National Health Service after announcing his goal of walking 100 laps around his garden.
The two centenarians have something in common besides their altruism: Both were awarded the Burma Star for their service in the Burma campaign during the Second World War.
“So that’s really made us comrades-in-arms,” said Hillman, who hopes to connect with Moore over email.
Hillman is buoyed by the support of his daughter and son-in-law, Lynn and Ralph McDiarmid, two granddaughters and two great grandchildren.
“It’s absolutely incredible,” Lynn McDiarmid said.
“He does not look 101, there’s no question about that. I don’t know the answer as to why, whether it’s good living or good luck.”
Marney McDiarmid, who lives in Kingston, Ont., has been watching her grandfather’s daily laps via the live videos on the Carlton House of Oak Bay’s Facebook page.
She said in a society that tends to undervalue older people, her grandfather is an inspiration.
“I think it’s emblematic of his desire to make a difference and also his approach to aging,” she said. “He’s not a person who decided: ‘I’m old, I can’t do it anymore.’ ”
For Hillman, the hardest part of the COVID-19 restrictions is not getting to see his wife of 78 years, Irene, who lives in Glengarry Hospital in Victoria. Seniors care homes have been closed to visitors since March, which means Hillman can no longer take the HandyDart bus to visit her, which he typically did four times a week.
The two, who were married in December 1941 in a double ceremony alongside Irene’s sister, talk regularly over the phone.
“I just tell her about what’s happening. She’s very helpful and very supportive of it,” Hillman said. “She’s looking forward to the day when we get together again. This is our 79th year of wedded bliss.”
Hillman was born on March 18, 1919, in south Wales. He enlisted in the Royal Air Force at age 17 and served with the air force during the Second World War. Hillman was stationed in Burma from 1944 until the Japanese surrendered in August 1945.
Today — the 75th anniversary of VE Day — the Saanich Peninsula branch of the Royal Canadian Legion will present Hillman with three pins: one from Veterans Affairs Canada, one from the Dutch Embassy in Ottawa and one from the Royal Canadian British Legion. The presentation will take place at 1:30 p.m.
Hillman said he is thankful he is healthy and strong enough to make a difference.
“I hope to go on for a few years yet,” he said, adding that one donor said they hope they can donate again when he’s 102.
“Well, I hope so, too.”
To donate to Hillman’s Save the Children Canada campaign, go to canadahelps.org/en/pages/john-hillman-101-laps-for-101000.
