Captain Tom Moore, who has raised over £30 million for the NHS, celebrates his one hundredth birthday today.
The centenarian has received over 100,000 cards to celebrate his birthday, which have been displayed in Bedford School, where his grandson is taught. He is expected to receive a personalised birthday message from the Queen.
In recognition of his work, Captain Moore has been appointed as an honorary colonel, and has also been made the figurehead for the Army Foundation College in Harrogate who train 16- and 17-year olds.
Captain Moore said that turning 100 was “quite extraordinary” and added that “it is even more extraordinary that I am doing so with this many well-wishers and I am in awe at the response my walking has had”.
A wartime Spitfire and Hurricane flew over Captain Moore’s house this morning, broadcast on the BBC to prevent crowds coming to watch. Two helicopters will fly over his house this afternoon.
Moore first made headlines earlier this month with his fundraising campaign to raise £1,000 for the NHS by walking the length of his garden one hundred times before his birthday today. Upon completing his walk, Moore had raised £12 million for the NHS, and has now more than doubled this figure.
Captain Moore also made history as the oldest artist to have a chart-topping record in the UK, with his cover of You’ll Never Walk Alone with Michael Ball which went straight to number one.
A post box near his home has been painted NHS blue to mark the occasion, and post has been marked with a special stamp to celebrate his birthday.
Defence secretary, Ben Wallace, said: “Captain Tom is simply inspirational, and I am absolutely delighted the army has honoured him in such a fitting manner. He not only embodies the spirit of our incredible veteran community, but the resolve of this nation.”