Captain Tom Moore saluted by MPs and hospitals on his 100th birthday

The World War Two veteran, whose incredible fund raising efforts during the coronavirus pandemic have made him a national treasure, took time out to deliver a personal message to readers who have donated to his cause.

As he prepared to read goodwill messages in some of the 125,000 birthday cards sent by well-wishers from across the globe, Captain Tom said: “I am so deeply and sincerely grateful to the tremendous British public and especially the readers of the paper for their help. You have shown me so much love.

“When we started off with this exercise, we didn’t anticipate we’d get anything near that sort of money. It’s really amazing.”

Captain Tom Moore with his grandchildren Benji and Georgia and daughter Hannah at his home

Captain Tom, who was born in Keighley, West Yorkshire, and now lives in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire, hoped to raise a few thousand pounds for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday.

His efforts proved an inspiration to people coming to terms with the coronavirus pandemic and donations poured in from all over the world.

With the total standing at almost £30m last night, the former Army officer, who served in Burma during World War Two, holds the record for the largest sum ever raised by an individual charity walk.

Then Lt Tom Moore (centre, front row) with his fellow soldiers on a Valentine tank in Kirkee, India, in 1942. Picture supplied by The Tank Museum

He also holds a second world record as the oldest person to have a number-one single in the UK charts after recording ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ with singer Michael Ball.

Dorset hospital chiefs and politicians took the opportunity to praise Captain Tom for his efforts.

Bournemouth East MP and former Green Jacket Tobias Ellwood said: “Huge congratulations to what he has achieved. He binds the nation with that generation that we looked upon and pay tribute to when our country was last having to adopt a national war effort.

“That spirit clearly hasn’t diminished in him, with his determination, yet again, to do his duty and serve his country and be such a fantastic example to us all of how, no matter who you are, no matter where you are, you can effect change, you can be a positive inspiration to the rest of us.

“He has much to celebrate and the nation has much to be thankful for, particularly during these difficult times.”

Bournemouth East MP and former Green Jacket Tobias Ellwood

The defence select committee chairman added: “He is a fantastic example of the British spirit and coming from a generation where the entire country was affected by an adversary but came through. In these times we look for heroes and we look for individuals to inspire us and what Captain Tom Moore has done is truly incredible.

“It is a landmark birthday but one perhaps he was only expecting a card from his family and the Queen. The outpouring and support will be from a very grateful country. He really epitomises the best of British, so happy birthday to him.”

Bournemouth West MP Conor Burns said the nation literally and metaphorically salutes Captain Tom.

“Out of a period when there has been so little good news and where hope has been absent, people like him are just an inspiration,” said Mr Burns.

“Having been through everything he has been through in his life, he just stepped up to try and do some good. His incredible effort has captured the heart of the nation.”

Reflecting Captain Tom’s response to the coronavirus pandemic, Mr Burns said: “In many ways, this crisis has brought out the best in people. A vast number of people are stepping up to volunteer to keep an eye on an elderly or vulnerable neighbour, to do shopping for them. It has been in a very real sense the best of British.

“With Captain Tom and the incredibly moving broadcast the Queen gave, I think there is a renewed respect for the elderly, who have so much accumulated wisdom over decades of life experience. That can teach particularly younger people a lot about resilience, fortitude and service.”

Captain Tom visited the Tank Museum in Dorset in 2007 to donate some of his papers and photographs, which museum staff said were very gratefully received.

Captain Tom Moore when he visited The Tank Museum in 2007. Picture supplied by The Tank Museum

The museum in Bovington said the money he had raised was “incredible” and they would be very happy to welcome him as a visitor again, when it is safe to do so.

Fiona Hoskins, Royal Bournemouth and Christchurch Hospitals’ (RBCH) deputy director of nursing and midwifery, said: “On behalf of RBCH I’d like to wish Captain Tom a wonderful 100th Birthday.

“In these past few weeks he captured our nation’s hearts with his strength and determination, becoming an unofficial figurehead for the nation’s generosity at a time we needed it most. He is an inspiration to us all and his achievement will make a huge difference to the NHS.”

Denise Richards, Poole Hospital’s deputy director of nursing, said: “We’d like to send our heartfelt thanks and congratulations to Captain Moore on his 100th birthday. He has done so much for the NHS during these challenging times and is an incredible role model for everyone.”

Captain Tom Moore during his fundraising challenge

And Captain Tom isn’t finished yet.

Looking forward, he said: “I’d like to say a big thank you to all the readers who have sent me birthday congratulations.

“The tremendous British public have shown me so much love. You have repurposed and re-energised me, and for that I will be forever grateful.”

But not as grateful as the millions of people who have taken hope and inspiration from the incredible achievements of Captain Tom.

Many happy returns.