Sir Tom Moore hails ‘Captain Tobias’ as boy completes his marathon
particularly competing with prices and I suspect that is only going to get worse. We’re in a microcosm of what is happening everywhere else.”
He also worries the previously tight-knit communities for which the islands are famous will struggle to recover from the social effects of the virus.
Mr Bell says: “In some ways, it was easier to get people to lock down and stay inside than it is going to be to get them to get back out. The government has done a good job in scaring people.
“It is very noticeable here when you go out for a walk in the evening, that people cross the street to avoid you – and we haven’t had a confirmed case in more than five weeks.”
He adds: “I think it is going to take us a wee while to get over this. The scars are going to be here for some time.”
A nine-year-old boy with cerebral palsy who has raised more than £100,000 by using his walker to complete a lockdown marathon has been congratulated by his inspiration, Captain Sir Tom Moore.
On Sunday, Tobias Weller completed the final 750 metres of his 70-day challenge to walk the full marathon distance on his Sheffield street to the cheers of dozens of his friends and neighbours.
The youngster - who has been dubbed Captain Tobias by his supporters after the 100-year-old national hero originally aimed to raise £500 for Sheffield Children’s Hospital and his special school in the city.
But what Tobias calls his “ginormous challenge” passed the £100,000 mark on Thursday evening.
On Friday, he received a special message from Sir Tom, through his daughter Hannah Ingram-moore.
In a special video message, she said: “Well good morning Captain Tobias. On behalf of Captain Sir Tom Moore and the entire family, wow - well done.
“What an achievement. We are so, so proud of you. Have a lovely day.”
Tobias replied on his Twitter feed: “I got a message from Sir Captain Tom Moore!!! Boom !!!!! I salute you, Captain!”
His mum, Ruth Garbutt, posted a video on social media of her waking Tobias on Friday morning with the news about the £100,000 milestone.