British Prime Minister, Boris Johnson on Thursday led the birthday tributes to a 100-year-old former soldier who raised millions of pounds to help Britain’s health service through the novel coronavirus pandemic.
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“Your heroic efforts have lifted the spirits of the entire nation.
“I am sending this video message to ex-army captain Tom Moore, affectionately known as Captain Tom.
“You’ve inspired the most incredible generosity, supporting the cause closest to all our hearts; we appreciate more than 30 million pounds (or 37 million dollars) you raised to assist in the fight against COVID19,“Johnson said.
Hundreds of thousands of people donated to Moore’s JustGiving fund for National Health Service (NHS) charities after he walked 100 25-metre lengths of his garden over several days, supported by his walking frame.
“It just shows what a marvellous country we are, made up of so many magnificent people keeping up their spirits, however difficult it may be,” Moore said.
Moore was made an honorary colonel in the British army and several World War II planes staged a flypast of his home on Thursday to mark his birthday.
The Archbishop of Canterbury, Justin Welby, said Moore was an example and an inspiration to everybody in the country.
“May God bless you and your family,”Welby said.
The Royal Mail said it handled more than 125,000 birthday cards, letters and gifts for Moore.
Earlier, Moore also reached the top of Britain’s singles charts, joining singer Michael Ball on a version of the 1960s hit “You’ll Never Walk Alone.”