Captain Tom Moore has become the hero of the lockdown.
We didn’t know we needed him, but now we can’t imagine checking the news without seeing his name and all of his brilliant accomplishments.
Tom Moore just keeps smashing incredible feat after feat. He has just raised an unprecedented £20 million for the NHS, to help support them during the COVID-19 global health emergency.
I’m Captain Tom Moore, war veteran, 99 years of age (soon to be 100) and I’m walking for the NHS to raise money for our heroes.https://t.co/M1dkvoV3kE
— Captain Sir Tom Moore (@captaintommoore) April 10, 2020
The nation began rallying around the WWII veteran after his campaign made national news. Since then, what started out as now a rather modest-sounding £1000 target absolutely blew up. His Just Giving page has gathered huge traction day-after-day; quite literally breaking the internet.
He set out to reach 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday at the end of April. He did this by walking 10 laps of 25 metres each day. He has now completed that challenge and has an incredible £20 million to donate to our brave healthcare workers — and it’s showing no signs of stopping.
He's done it! 👏#CaptainTomMoore has completed his 100 laps before his 100th birthday live on #BBCBreakfast! 🙌
He's raised over £12 million for the #NHS
Well done @captaintommoore from everyone at the @BBC 💕 pic.twitter.com/rtil8gKKmJ— BBC Breakfast (@BBCBreakfast) April 16, 2020
Tom has even vowed to push on with his walks, despite already surpassing his target. His Just Giving Page reads: “Tom is going to continue to walk, raise money for NHS Charities Together, and spread some cheer around the world whilst doing so.”
However many laps Tom Moore completes, he has the whole of Britain behind him cheering him on. Watch this space as the numbers of laps and donations continue to rise. It’s been a meteoric week for Captain Tom Moore.
He’s no stranger to uncertain times, however. The Yorkshire-born hero was drafted to fight in India during the second world war. A hero in all respects.
All for you – NHS #walkwithtom #TomorrowWillBeAGoodDay pic.twitter.com/3ubxkaL986
— Captain Sir Tom Moore (@captaintommoore) April 16, 2020
He completed his final ten laps on Thursday, April 16. As he finished he said, “I feel fine, I hope you’re all feeling fine, too”.
We can safely say, Tom, that you’ve perked up the nation a hell of a lot given the current circumstances. Here’s to the next 100 laps, and a Happy Centurion Birthday for the end of the month.