'We couldn't make differences like this without Jim': Hospital charity gives thanks to tap dancer Jim after month-long fundraising achievement

Northamptonshire Health Charity (NHC) has said thank you to an "inspirational" man after he has raised almost £1,700 for Northampton General Hospital by tap dancing three times a day for one month.

The charity - which funds above and beyond what the NHS can afford for Northamptonshire hospitals - has seen £117,413 donated to them during lockdown, which Jim wanted to top.

Robert Powell from NHC said the charity is beyond grateful to him.

He said: "It has been wonderful to see all the lovely feedback from people in the local community about his dancing and fundraising – many have commented on how good it’s made them feel and we are so grateful to him for raising a fantastic £1,700 so far.

"Jim is a real inspiration to us and to so many out there. I don’t think I could manage a daily tap-dance like he has so my hat goes off to Jim for doing it. Funds raised in ways likes this for Northampton General Hospital help to make huge differences to staff and to patient care above and beyond what the NHS provides.

"Jim is keen for the staff to benefit from his fundraising as he’s done this as a way to thank all those who have provided him with such amazing care when he’s had to attend appointments. We couldn’t make differences like this and enhancements to patient care and experience without thoughtful people like Jim challenging themselves to raise funds for us. It means a great deal to us, to the staff and to patients staying in hospital."

Not only will the 86-year-old improve the lives of so many workers at the town's hospital but he has also improved his wellbeing and has lost half a stone in the process.

It all started when Jim put his best foot forward at the beginning of July with a target to raise £1,000 after he was inspired by Sir Tom Moore who raised £33 million for charity.

Jim hopes the money would be put towards treating the staff who have worked so hard during lockdown to care for coronavirus patients.

On Friday (July 31) Jim finished his fundraiser back where it all started at Broadmead Community Church and was overcome with emotion when he was told he had raised £1,687.

He said: "It's been absolutley brilliant. I'm pleasently surprised at the generosity that has been manifested. I didn't think that many people would be so interested but I got a donation from someone who saw me on the news, on TV, in Cambridgeshire."

Jim's love for tap dancing started in the 1960s. After taking part in a charity concert at Overstone Village Hall 60 years ago he was asked to become a member of the Age Concern Entertainers.

Jim was soon entertaining all over the country - including Blackpool Tower Ballroom with one of Frank Sinatra's dancers - without having professional training.

Jim shared his love for dancing with his late wife Edith, affectionately known as 'Dotty' who he met in The Royal Navy while he was working as a medical assistant and she was a nurse.

On his final day, Jim made his last plea for fundraisers to come forward. He added: "I have been doing three dances every day. It's been quite strenuous actually.

“Hospital staff have certainly been under a lot of pressure and I hope the money is spent towards the social needs of the workers at the hospital."

As part of the medium to longer term COVID-19 response at Northampton General Hospital, the charity is working to help the hospital put in place mental health and wellbeing initiatives for staff.

These initiatives will have a huge impact on those who have been working throughout the pandemic, from the nurses and doctors on the frontline to the porters who have kept everything running.

Jim's fundraising page is still open for donations here.