RAF veteran dubbed ‘Roller John’, 89, is skating around his courtyard 90 times before his 90th birthday to raise money for hungry families after being inspired by Captain Sir Tom Moore

• John Wilcock, 89, of Warwickshire, is skating 90 laps before his 90th birthday
• Began challenge on March 9 with the aim of raising £500 but is already at £25K
• Raising money for FareShare, which helps to feed hungry children and families, because his family were ‘strapped’ when he was growing up in Lancashire
• Was inspired by Marcus Rashford’s plight for free school meals amid pandemic 

An RAF veteran is following in the footsteps of the late Sir Captain Tom Moore by completing laps of his courtyard to raise money for hungry children and families – on roller skates.

John Wilcock, 89, of Warwickshire, dubbed Roller John, will skate a lap of the car park outside his home twice a week until he makes his 90th birthday next year. 

As well as Sir Captain Tom, he was inspired by Manchester United star Marcus Rashford, who has highlighted concerns around free school meals – something John was grateful to receive as a child because his family was ‘a bit strapped’. 

He began his challenge on March 9 – his 64th wedding anniversary – with the aim of raising £500 – but has already attracted nearly £25,000 in donations. 

John Wilcock, 89, of Warwickshire, otherwise known as Roller John, will skate a lap of the car park outside his home twice a week until he makes his 90th birthday next year

As well as Captain Tom, he was inspired by Manchester United star Marcus Rashford, who has highlighted concerns around free school meals – something John was grateful to receive as a child because his family was ‘a bit strapped’ for cash

Appearing on BBC Breakfast this morning, John explained: ‘Walking’s a bit boring, jogging’s a bit boring, and I saw this boy and his father rollerskating, and I thought, “Well, that’s the thing to do”.

‘Along comes Sir Tom, with his trolley, and I thought, with my wife’s roller, I’ll be able to skate!

‘I’ve worked out that if I do two laps a week, that’ll take me to 90 laps. He did 100 laps for his 100th, I’m doing 90 laps for my 90th.’

John started skating when he was 19 and in the Royal Air Force, stationed in Cromer, Norfolk. 

Appearing on BBC Breakfast this morning, John explained: ‘Walking’s a bit boring, jogging’s a bit boring, and I saw this boy and his father rollerskating, and I thought, “Well, that’s the thing to do”‘

John is fundraising for FareShare, a charity helps to feed hungry children and families, mostly by re-distributing food that might otherwise end up in landfill

‘There was a rollerskating rink, I learned to dance on skates,’ he recalled.  

John is fundraising for FareShare, a charity helps to feed hungry children and families, mostly by re-distributing food that might otherwise end up in landfill.

He knows from experience what it is like to have to go to school hungry, having grown up as the eldest child in a family of seven in a mining community in south Lancashire. 

‘When I was a kid we were a bit strapped and I had free school dinners and we were grateful for that, so I knew from experience what it was to go to school hungry,’ he said.  

‘I’ve had donations from three continents in four currencies. It’s been really quite endearing and a bit humbling in a way, and it made me feel a bit like a hero and I found that a bit embarrassing. 

The 90 laps will total around 3.5 miles, and the challenge will run for 45 weeks until January 18 – a few days before John’s birthday on the 21st

According to his JustGiving page, John can walk well enough unaided, but on roller skates he is ‘a bit out of practise’

‘The people who donate are the real heroes; without them, what am I doing?’  

When a neighbour remarked during the BBC segment that he’s ‘very brave’ for undertaking his skating challenge, John joked: ‘Not in line for the VC [Victoria Cross] I don’t think!’ 

According to his JustGiving page, John can walk well enough unaided, but on roller skates he is ‘a bit out of practise’. 

‘Some might even say he is completely unbalanced,’ it reads. ‘Nevertheless, with the help of his best friend’s rollator walking aid, he intends to try to meet the challenge.’

John pictured as a Royal Air Force policeman in west Germany in 1951, ready to repel a Russian advance

John is pictured flying solo around 1,000ft above in the Humber in 1959. The D H Chipmunk is the same aircraft type that Prince Charles first learned to fly

The 90 laps will total around 3.5 miles, and the challenge will run for 45 weeks until January 18 – a few days before John’s birthday on the 21st.

John regularly provides updates on his JustGiving page, revealing he visited the park in Warwick with his rollator and skates ‘to practise’.

‘It was lovely to find so much interest in what I am trying to do,’ he said. ‘Some make me smile, some make me chuckle and some bring the hint of a tear. 

‘It is heartwarming and empowering, and all the signs are that more will follow. Pity I can’t respond to each one. Thank you.’

To donate, click here. 

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