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Friday, March 29, 2024 | Back issues
Courthouse News Service Courthouse News Service

Britain Celebrates as Hero ‘Captain Tom’ Turns 100

Britain organized a flyover and 140,000 people sent cards to mark the 100th birthday on Thursday of a World War II veteran whose staggering fundraising efforts have inspired a country in the depths of the coronavirus pandemic.

LONDON (AFP) — Britain organized a flyover and 140,000 people sent cards to mark the 100th birthday on Thursday of a World War II veteran whose staggering fundraising efforts have inspired a country in the depths of the coronavirus pandemic.

Having served Britain in the last century, "Captain Tom" Moore has thrust himself into the thick of its latest battle by doing laps of his garden to raise money for health service charities.

At the latest tally, he had raised more than $37 million to help support staff and volunteers working on the coronavirus effort in the state-run National Health Service.

Moore's efforts and humility have propelled him to iconic status, with a high-speed train named after him and all letters sent in the British postal service this week carrying a birthday message.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson, Prince Charles and England football captain Harry Kane were among those who offered their congratulations for his 100th birthday.

Cards from around the world filled the vast hall of his grandson Benjie's school, and thousands of children have sent him their drawings.

"Your heroic efforts have lifted the spirits of the entire nation," said Johnson, who recently recovered from coronavirus, in a video message.

"You've created a channel to enable millions to say a heartfelt thank you to the remarkable men and women in our NHS who are doing a most astounding job."

On Thursday morning, Royal Air Force pilots flew a Spitfire and a Hurricane, usually deployed for World War II commemorative events, over Moore's home in Bedfordshire, north of London.

Live television footage showed the veteran in his garden, smartly dressed in a jacket and tie with his medals on his chest, waving as they went past.

"I remember when they were flying not with peace, but with anger," he told the BBC.

The army announced it was making Moore an honorary colonel, an appointment approved by Queen Elizabeth II, calling him an "inspirational role model to generations young and old."

"I never, ever anticipated ever in my life anything like this," Moore said, thanking everyone who sent him messages.

He offered his own congratulations for Johnson's new baby boy, who was born on Wednesday, saying, "Well done, prime minister!"

Moore said he was "very moved" by being made an honorary colonel, adding: "I'm still Captain Tom, that's who I really am. But if people choose to call me colonel, well, thank you very much."

Moore's latest mission began on April 6, with the target of raising £1,000 for NHS charities as a thank-you for the treatment he received while suffering from cancer and a broken hip.

The former engineer, who served in India and Myanmar, planned to raise the money by completing 100 laps of his 25-meter garden, asking for sponsorship online. 

The generosity of the public far exceeded his hopes, and he received millions within days. 

Moore completed the final leg of his journey 10 days later, crossing the line with the aid of his walking frame and a military guard of honor. 

He now owns two world records: raising the most money ever doing an individual charity walk and the oldest person ever to get a No. 1 single in the UK charts.

His unlikely ascent to the top of the pop charts came with a charity version of musical classic and popular football chant "You'll Never Walk Alone," in which he sings along with British stage star Michael Ball and the NHS choir.

"We are hugely proud of how the nation has taken granddad to its heart," said his grandson Benjie. 

"Words can't express how much I idolize him."


By ALICE RITCHIE and PAULINE FROISSART
© Agence France-Presse

Categories / Health, International

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