Flypasts and promotion for UK fund-raising hero 'Colonel' Tom as he turns 100

[snoop1130]

Flypasts and promotion for UK fund-raising hero 'Colonel' Tom as he turns 100

By Michael Holden

 

Former British Army Officer Captain Tom Moore, appointed the first Honorary Colonel of the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, stands with Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Miller next to his medals and gifts that he received for his birthday in Bedford, Britain April 29, 2020. Picture taken April 29, 2020. UK Ministry of Defence/ Crown Copyright 2020/Handout via REUTERS

 

LONDON (Reuters) - British World War Two veteran Captain Tom Moore, who has become a national hero after raising millions for the health service, celebrated his 100th birthday on Thursday with a promotion, military flypasts and a message from the prime minister.

 

Earlier this month, Moore began his fundraising mission for charities that help front-line 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 1,000 pounds.

 

As he celebrated his centenary, the amount he raised topped 30 million pounds ($37.4 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 number one 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.

 

He has also been re-presented with his World War Two Defence Medal which he had lost.

 

Historic World War Two aircraft carried out a flypast above "Colonel" Moore's home in Bedfordshire, central England, early on Thursday with a second fly over by modern Royal Air Force helicopters due later.

 

Moore, who said he was still "Captain Tom", said he was honoured by his promotion and all the kind messages he had received.

 

 

SERVED IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

 

"If people choose to call me colonel, well thank you very much," he told BBC TV with a chuckle. The veteran, who served in southeast Asia during the war, waved at the World War Two fighter planes as they flew over his home.

 

Since Monday, Britain's Royal Mail has added a special postmark to all stamped post with a congratulatory message to Moore while more than 125,000 birthday cards have been sent to him by well-wishers, so many a nearby school has had to open and display them.

 

"I never, ever anticipated ever in my life anything like this, it really is amazing. I must say ... thank you very much to everyone, wherever you are," Moore said.

 

His exploits earlier this month have been heralded by politicians and royalty alike. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who returned to work on Monday after recovering from COVID-19 himself, recorded a special message for Moore.

 

"I know I speak for the whole country when I say we wish you a very happy 100th birthday. Your heroic efforts have lifted the spirits of an entire nation," Johnson said.

 

He said Moore was a "point of light in all our lives".

 

The royal family have also sent messages of congratulations.

 

"It's incredible, it's amazing," said Prince William, the queen's grandson of Moore's efforts. "It's wonderful that everyone is being inspired by his story, his determination ... he's a one man fund-raising machine."

 

 

-- © Copyright Reuters 2020-04-30

 

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[blackcab]

Legend.

[Phuketshrew]

Happy Birthday Captain Colonel Tom ???? You are an inspiration to us all.

[sammieuk1]

A how many star General would this man have been here Col-Tom for PPE minister ???? 

[bluesofa]

Just so superb watching the flypast and the interview with Captain Colonel Tom.

I'm not afraid to admit I had tears in my eyes watching all that.

I see the total has reached £30 million now.

As said above by Phuketshrew: An inspiration to us all.

[Burma Bill]

With all the worldwide news of the COVID-19 pandemic, I find this news very refreshing and inspirational, especially coming from good old "blighty" (the UK - an expression used by soldiers in both World Wars)

[BritManToo]

It's just a UK version of the 'honest cabby' story to distract the sheeple from the authoritarian and repressive actions of the UK government. Like Boris clapping for nurses, if he really appreciates them, why doesn't he pay them more?

[ballpoint]

They were going to make him a major, but the estate of David Bowie threatened to sue.

[robertson468]

Well done Colonel Tom.  Your actions have raised the spirits of many in the UK and overseas.  It proves that "Old soldiers never die".

[roo860]

[Baerboxer]

3 hours ago, Burma Bill said:

With all the worldwide news of the COVID-19 pandemic, I find this news very refreshing and inspirational, especially coming from good old "blighty" (the UK - an expression used by soldiers in both World Wars)

 

There's always one!

 

Don't worry, you'll be able to sit on your bar stool again soon enough.

[brianthainess]

A man that truly earned and deserved his medals not buy being rich, unlike some generals  who live nearby.

[Burma Bill]

1 hour ago, Baerboxer said:

 

There's always one!

 

Don't worry, you'll be able to sit on your bar stool again soon enough.

Yes indeed - "Captain Tom"!!!

For your information I am not a bar stool person. I lived in Northern Thailand "out in the sticks" - hated Pattaya, Phuket and Bangkok. 

[Bluespunk]

1 hour ago, Burma Bill said:

Yes indeed - "Captain Tom"!!!

For your information I am not a bar stool person. I lived in Northern Thailand "out in the sticks" - hated Pattaya, Phuket and Bangkok. 

I think he meant to quote britman2

 

i could  be wrong but his post makes more sense if was. 

[Rookiescot]

6 hours ago, Burma Bill said:

With all the worldwide news of the COVID-19 pandemic, I find this news very refreshing and inspirational, especially coming from good old "blighty" (the UK - an expression used by soldiers in both World Wars)

Perhaps someone from the government of good old blighty can explain why it is necessary for an old man to do this in order to see the NHS funded.

All he is doing is making a tiny dent in all those years of austerity and cutbacks.

Perhaps Colonel Tom can ask why all those Conservatives were cheering and laughing when they voted down a pay rise for the NHS staff?

[VocalNeal]

11 minutes ago, Rookiescot said:

Perhaps someone from the government of good old blighty can explain why it is necessary for an old man to do this in order to see the NHS funded.

All he is doing is making a tiny dent in all those years of austerity and cutbacks.

Perhaps Colonel Tom can ask why all those Conservatives were cheering and laughing when they voted down a pay rise for the NHS staff?

 

I think you somewhat missed the point. yes he needed help from someone for all the computer/media stuff but I suspect he was bored and wanted to do his bit in a crisis just the way he had done his bit before. 

 

He is from a generation who think of others before they think of themselves. He wanted to raise 1000 pounds which I am sure he is aware won't even keep the Min. Of Health stocked with coffee. But once he started... 

 

It gave him purpose for a while. Purpose is a much overlooked requirement for living.

[Daffy D]

32 minutes ago, Bluespunk said:

I think he meant to quote britman2

 

i could  be wrong but his post makes more sense if was. 

I think so too 

 

Why is it that there is always someone that feels the need to dump their S**t on an otherwise good story  

 

Why don't the S**T dumpers start their own topics instead of S**tng on everyone else then we can just hit the ignore button and everyone will be happy.

 

[PhilAtUbon]

On 5/1/2020 at 11:36 AM, Rookiescot said:

Perhaps someone from the government of good old blighty can explain why it is necessary for an old man to do this in order to see the NHS funded.

All he is doing is making a tiny dent in all those years of austerity and cutbacks.

Perhaps Colonel Tom can ask why all those Conservatives were cheering and laughing when they voted down a pay rise for the NHS staff?

The money raised is fore NHH CHARITIES. Not the NHS itself.

The charities support former and serving NHS staff in their hour of need.

 

[7by7]

17 hours ago, PhilAtUbon said:

The money raised is fore NHH CHARITIES. Not the NHS itself.

The charities support former and serving NHS staff in their hour of need.

 

Whilst that is a worthy cause, most NHS charities do far more than that.

 

BACKGROUND NHS Charities

Quote

There are more than 230 NHS charities across the UK and most of them focus on helping our hospitals do more. Collectively these charities give £1 million every day to the NHS so that people can stay well for longer and get better faster. In recent years NHS charities have funded major capital projects, pioneering research and medical equipment at our hospitals, helping patients access the best possible care when they need it most.

 

They also play a key role in mobilising volunteers to support NHS staff, brightening wards and waiting areas with colourful and engaging art and building an important link between our hospitals and our communities. Other NHS charities support mental health trusts, community health trusts and ambulance trusts.

 

These vital funds and services are above and beyond what the NHS alone can provide, touching lives and making a huge difference to millions of people when they are at their most vulnerable.

 

 

[PhilAtUbon]

On 5/8/2020 at 9:42 AM, 7by7 said:

Whilst that is a worthy cause, most NHS charities do far more than that.

 

BACKGROUND NHS Charities

 

 

My point was that the money raised does not go to the NHS itself.

[7by7]

19 hours ago, PhilAtUbon said:

My point was that the money raised does not go to the NHS itself.

 Your point was far more than that; it was that none of the money raised goes toward patient treatment nor care. As shown by your saying

On 5/7/2020 at 3:52 PM, PhilAtUbon said:

The charities support former and serving NHS staff in their hour of need.

 

Which is not correct. Most of the money raised by or donated to NHS charities goes toward patient treatment and care.

 

Why you want to diminish the achievement of this remarkable man by trying to convince people that the money he raised will not go to patient treatment or care, only you know.