Rock star Artiwara “Toon” Kongmalai, whose charity run has raised more than 1.2 billion baht for 11 state-run hospitals, says he is a mere bridge for donations, not a donor, and has refused a certificate honouring him for his good deed. (Bangkok Post file photo)

Rock star Artiwara “Toon” Kongmalai was praised nationwide for his South-to-North charity run but has refused a certificate honouring him for raising 1.2 billion baht for 11 public hospitals, saying he was merely a bridge for the donors.

Maj Gen Peerapol Pokpong, secretary-general of the Phramongkutklao Hospital Foundation, said on Friday the hospital and the army wanted to thank Mr Arthiwara, aka Toon Bodyslam, for raising funding for the hospital to buy medical equipment for its new building, due for completion next year.

Army-run Phramongkutklao is one of the 11 hospitals that will benefit.

“We wanted to hold a ceremony and present a certificate thanking Pi Toon, but he refused. Pi Toon said he is not a donor, but a mere bridge for people to donate money. He does not want anything in return,’’ Dr Peerapol said.

The hospital would put up a message expressing its gratitude to Toon for each item of new medical equipment, he said.

A large billboard featuring Toon and a thank-you message had already been erected at the hospital.

Although the rocker’s  Kao Kon Lakao (Everyone Takes a Step) charity fundraiser will remain open until May, Toon plans to allocate money raised by the marathon run to the 11 hospitals to purchase much needed medical equipment as soon as possible, Dr Peerapol said.

Toon completed his South-North run in Mae Sai district of Chiang Rai on Dec 25, having covered the total distance of 2,215 kilometres in 55 days after starting from Betong district in Yala on Nov 1.