Ghanaian Veteran Coronavirus Hero Honoured by the Queen

Private Joseph Hammond, a 95-year-old Ghanaian, World War Two veteran has raised over £35,000 for coronavirus charities by walking two miles per day for a week and has today been honoured by the Queen.
Private Joseph Hammond has been awarded with the Commonwealth Points of Light award. The Commonwealth Points of Light is a continuation of the Prime Minister’s Points of Light programme, a special series of awards recognising inspirational volunteers throughout the Commonwealth.
Her Majesty The Queen presents Points of Light awards to outstanding volunteers across the Commonwealth who change the lives of their community.
Private Hammond said: “I was overwhelmed and filled with joy when I heard I have been chosen to be honoured by Her Majesty the Queen. This will linger in my memory forever. I wish to thank the mother of the Commonwealth, Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II and all those who have made this possible.”

Private Joseph Hammond recently received a letter from The Duke and Duchess of Sussex. The Duke of Sussex, who has met Private Hammond previously, penned a letter to Private Hammond after hearing of his upcoming challenge.Taking to Twitter (@pte_hammond), the pensioner shared the clip: ‘I received a letter from Prince Harry today. This is such a wonderful surprise.’
Inspired by the UK’s Captain Sir Tom Moore, Private Joseph Hammond’s fundraising initiative will be used to purchase personal protection equipment (PPE) for Covid-19 frontline workers and vulnerable veterans in Commonwealth countries.
Credit : laurena@blj.co.uk