A set of medals presented to D-Day veteran Bernard Jordan sold for £1,650 ($2,435) at Wallis & Wallis in Sussex, UK earlier today.

The set achieved a 450% increase on a valuation of £300 ($444). The proceeds are to be donated to the RNLI.

Bernard Jordan's medals sold for a 450% increase on their estimate

Jordan is best remembered for escaping his care home last year to attend the D-Day memorial in Normandy. He had told staff at the Pines in Hove that he was going for a walk.

The story was reported around the world, turning him into something of a celebrity. The medals include a 1939-1945 Star and a Defence Medal.  

Paul Boissier, chief executive of the RNLI, commented prior to the sale: "This is absolutely wonderful, unexpected news. Bernard's story charmed the nation last year when he journeyed from his Sussex care home to France to commemorate the D-Day landings.

"That spirit, that determination, is embedded deep within the psyche of our volunteer lifeboat crews who go to sea to save others in peril on the sea.

"I am delighted that the couple chose to leave us this sizeable donation, and their contribution, like those of Bernard's veteran peers, will never be forgotten."

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