“For all those finding it difficult: the sun will shine on you again and the clouds will go away.” - Captain Tom Moore
TORONTO -- Thomas Moore is a World War Two veteran and member of the British military, and a key supporter of the NHS during the COVID-19 pandemic. Moore’s goal was to raise 1,000 pounds (CAD$1,730) in donations for NHS Charities Together, which supports British hospitals, by walking 100 laps of his garden. Smashing his original target, Moore’s fundraising surpassed 30 million British pounds this morning. Later on, the funds increased to over 32.3 million.
During his fundraising, Moore was invited to take part in a charity rendition of the song “You’re Not Alone” with the proceeds also going to NHS Charities Together. The cover reached the top of the U.K. charts, making Moore the oldest artist to ever accomplish such a feat, for which he holds a Guinness World Record.
Captain Tom holds a second Guinness World Record for being the fundraiser with the most funds raised by an individual charity walk. The record was previously held by Canadian athlete Terry Fox (1958-1981), who ran from St. John’s Newfoundland to Thunder Bay, Ontario on an artificial leg from April 12th to September 2nd of 1980. Fox raised $14.7 million Canadian (the equivalent of 5.4 million pounds in 1980, adjusted to around 27.2 million pounds with inflation in 2020).
Moore captured the attention of people around the world, earning the nickname 'Captain Tom' as a nod to his military service. His military career included stints in India, Indonesia, and the United Kingdom. After retiring from the war, Moore went on to become the manager of a concrete company in England, and actively raced motorcycles for fun.
Moore turns 100-years-old today, and his special day was honored by Britons across the country. His celebrations have included an RAF fly-over by his home in Bedfordshire, England. He was appointed as an honorary colonel of the Army Foundation College. The British Royal Mail Service has been marking all letters sent in the U.K. this week with a special birthday message for the veteran. This morning the Royal British Mail Service said they had received over 150,000 cards and presents for Moore.
Moore’s fundraising end’s at midnight tonight in the United Kingdom (7:00 PM, EST). If you want to donate, click here.
Written By: DC Banfield
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