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Captain Tom To Receive Knighthood For NHS Fundraising

Captain Tom To Receive Knighthood For NHS Fundraising

Arise Sir Tom.

Stewart Perrie

Stewart Perrie

Captain Tom will receive a knighthood for helping raise £33 million for the NHS during the coronavirus pandemic.

The 100-year-old did 100 laps of his back garden in Bedfordshire and captured the attention and hearts of the world.

He was promoted to honorary Colonel when he became a centenarian at the end of last month.

UK Prime Minister Boris Johnson has recommended to the Queen that Colonel Tom get knighted.

PA

"Colonel Tom's fantastic fundraising broke records, inspired the whole country and provided us all with a beacon of light through the fog of coronavirus," he said in a statement.

"On behalf of everyone who has been moved by his incredible story, I want to say a huge thank you. He's a true national treasure."

Labour party leader Sir Keir Starmer also congratulated Captain Tom for bringing 'inspiration to millions and helped all of us to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our NHS'.

"In his actions, Tom embodied the national solidarity which has grown throughout this crisis, and showed us that everyone can play their part in helping build a better future," he said.

PA

According to the BBC, as an honorary colonel, his official title will be Captain Sir Thomas Moore, under Ministry of Defence protocol.

After being appointed in his new role, the 100-year-old legend became the figurehead for the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, a program that helps train 16 and 17-year-olds.

To mark his big day, Captain-now-Colonel-soon-to-be-Sir Tom was honoured with a flypast from the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The British public also helped celebrate the 100-year-old's birthday by sending in thousands upon thousands of birthday cards.

PA

More than 125,000 birthday cards were sent for Moore, who also became the oldest person to achieve a UK number one single with a version of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' performed with Michael Ball.

Among those to send greetings cards were the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, England football captain Harry Kane, and Dame Kelly Holmes.

Mr Moore says he was incredibly humbled by all the effort people have gone into to celebrate his milestone birthday.

He said: "I continue to be offered lots of lovely items.

"I really do have everything I need but others are struggling due to Covid-19 so, rather than giving to me, please look to donate these generous offers to a local care home or someone in your community. Thank you."

Featured Image Credit: PA

Topics: News