102-year-old John Hillman wrapping up his walking fundraiser for Save the Children.

John Hillman, an Oak Bay war veteran, is wrapping up his most recent walking fundraiser.

For the last 10 days, he has been walking laps around the courtyard of his home for every year of his life.

This year, he plans to walk 102 laps and raise $10,000 for the Save the Children COVID Relief Fund.

“I’m pretty fit now. If I keep on doing these laps I’ll be the fittest man in Carlton House,” says Hillman.

With every step, John is surrounded by friends and supporters, chanting and cheering him on.

His family is also around, travelling all the way from Kingston, Ontario to watch him close out this journey.

“On Monday I got to do some laps with him and it’s amazing to have people cheering and honking,” says John’s granddaughter, Marney McDiarmid.

This year’s walk is more important than ever after John’s wife of 79 years passed away on Saturday.

The family says she’ll be right there with him tomorrow as he crosses the finish line.

“I think we’ll just kind of be carrying her in our hearts tomorrow,” added McDiarmid.

The World War II veteran served in the Burman Campaign and also in France, Italy and Africa.

Last year, John raised over $169,000. As of today, he sits at $17,000 and he needs your help to get him to his goal of $102,000.

The link to donate can be found on the Carlton House of Oak Bay’s Facebook Page. 

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