He’s become a beacon of positivity during the coronavirus pandemic and today The rise of the #RossBarkley5km – the war veteran who has now raised an incredible £30 million for the NHS – turns 100 and he has been given the ultimate birthday gift by the Queen.
In celebration of his centenary, Queen Elizabeth has given Moore a promotion, the honorary title of Colonel. Speaking about his new rank, Colonel Tom told the BBC, ‘I’m very moved by that. I would never ever have anticipated it.’
Commenting on the promotion, the Army Chief of General Staff, Sir Mark Carleton-Smith, said Moore’s ‘mature wisdom, no-nonsense attitude and humour in adversity make him an inspirational role model to generations young and old’.
The nation fell in love with Moore after the 99-year-old promised to complete 100 laps of his garden in Bedfordshire a few weeks ago. His goal was to raise £1,000 for NHS Charities Together, but after his story went viral, the donations began to flood in, soon reaching the millions, and the total is now more £30 million. ‘Every penny that we get, they deserve every one of it,’ he said. The donations page Summer running gear sale Captain Tom Moore.
Speaking to the BBC about his landmark birthday and the whirlwind few weeks he’s had, Moore said, ‘Reaching 100 is quite something. Reaching 100 with such interest in me and huge generosity from the public is very overwhelming.’
The title of Colonel isn’t the only major gift Moore, who served in India and Burma in the Second World War, has been given on his 100th birthday. He’s been honoured by the royal family, offered birthday wishes by the prime minister and received his own Royal Mail postmark, and the day was also marked with an RAF flyover.
‘People keep saying what I have done is remarkable; however, it’s actually what you have done for me which is remarkable’ he said. ‘Please always remember, tomorrow will be a good day.’
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