Tony Moroney is living proof you should never judge a book by its cover.

You may not think it’s possible but this man, who is 99 percent covered in tattoos, has just raised $100,000 for HeartKids – a charity that provides support for children with Heart Disease and their families.

Tony – also known as Top Hat Tony, has spent majority of the last five years standing on the streets of Woodford with a can, using his unusual appearance as a way to fundraise.

“Most of the money has come from Woodford, the town has gotten right behind me,” he said.

“People can’t miss me as I usually walk around without a shirt on. There’s a bit of a shock in seeing me”.

The 50-year-old’s generous quest began in 2010 when he met a four-year-old boy named Benji, who had already had four open-heart surgeries in his lifetime.

“This kid had hardly had a chance at life and it was nearly snatched away from him,” Mr Moroney said.

View photos Tony often dresses up when he's out fundraising. Photo: Contributed. More

View photos Tony Moroney was named Moreton Bay Council's Citizen of the Year earlier this year. Photo: Tony Moroney. More

“I had to do something for him”.

So he started an EveryDay Hero page, got himself a trusty tin and hit the streets.

And while his tattooed body often helped with his efforts, it also hindered them.

“I get called a lot of things – I had one bloke call me an ‘oxygen thief’ because of the way I looked… I was at the local markets rattling the can asking for donations,” he said.

“I was quite taken aback by that, but if I didn’t have these tattoos I’d just be another Joe on the street, people wouldn’t give me a second glance.

“Now I’m not just an average Joe anymore… I’m someone people want to stop and talk to and have a look at”.

And with a body suit that cost more than $100,000 and hours of sitting under the needle, he expected to get a few strange looks.

“It’s a good icebreaker. I’ve had people come up and give me money for a photo. I love having my photo taken and helping people. It gives me a really good feeling,” he said.

Unfortunately Tony’s goodwill and generosity hasn’t spared him from his own ailments. He developed a heart problem of his own just a few months after he started fundraising.

“My heart is playing up… I’ve had nine minor attacks and two big ones. I didn’t have… it’s hereditary,” he said.

View photos Top Hat Tony Maroney has raised $100,000 for HeartKids. More

Story continues