UK hails virus fundraiser as he turns 100
British World War II veteran Captain Tom Moore, who has become a national hero after raising millions for the health service, has celebrated his 100th birthday with a promotion, military fly-pasts and a message from the prime minister.
Earlier this month, Moore began his fundraising mission for charities that help frontline National Health Service staff battling the COVID-19 crisis by completing laps of his garden with the help of a walking frame, initially setting out to raise just STG1000 ($A1900).
As he celebrated his centenary on Thursday, the amount he raised topped STG30 million, the Guinness World Record for the most money raised by an individual through a walk.
He has also become the oldest person to notch up a No.1 single in Britain’s main music chart, featuring on a cover version of You’ll Never Walk Alone, with his endeavours winning the hearts and admiration of the public at home and across the world.
To celebrate his birthday, Moore was appointed the first Honorary Colonel of the Army Foundation College, based near the town where he grew up, a position that came with the approval of Queen Elizabeth, the defence ministry said.
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He has also been re-presented with his World War II Defence Medal, which he had lost.World War II aircraft carried out a fly-past above “Colonel” Moore’s home in Bedfordshire, central England, early on Thursday, with a second flyover by modern Royal Air Force helicopters due later.
