A-RAISE SIR TOM
Captain Tom Moore to be given a knighthood for his inspirational 100th birthday walk that raised £39million for the NHS
CAPTAIN Tom Moore is to be knighted for his inspirational 100th birthday walk that raised £39million for the NHS.
The 100 year-old World War Two veteran's knighthood was announced by Downing Street on Monday night.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
11
11
11
It was approved by the Queen, having been personally recommended and fast-tracked by the Prime Minister.
The gong is the first of dozens for the heroes of the debilitating crisis, The Sun can also reveal.
The Government is to issue a special honours list in the Autumn to recognize everyone who has performed with distinction through out it.
It is expected to be dominated by NHS staff, and the public will be able to nominate specific individuals who cared for them.
Captain Tom Moore was left flabbergasted by his knighthood, which he only learned about on Monday afternoon.
He described himself as “absolutely overwhelmed” by it.
I’d like to thank Her Majesty the Queen, the Prime Minister and the Great British public. I will remain at your service.
Captain Tom Moore
Captain Tom said: “Never for one moment could I have imagined to be awarded with such a great honour.
“I’d like to thank Her Majesty the Queen, the Prime Minister and the Great British public.
“I will remain at your service.
“This started as something small and I’ve been overwhelmed by the gratitude and love from the British public and beyond.”
The Burma vet added: "We must take this opportunity to recognise our frontline heroes of the National Health Service who put their lives at risk everyday to keep us safe.”
11
11
11
The news was broken to Tom by his daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore, who he is isolating with at his home in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire.
Hannah was told in a phone call from the PM’s most senior official, his Principal Private Secretary Martin Reynolds.
The centurion won the hearts of a nation after vowing to walk 100 laps of his Bedfordshire garden to raise money for the NHS.
His initial fundraising target was £1,000,
After his plea for sponsorship went viral, the former infantry officer ended up reaping an extraordinary £33m in donations - a Guinness World Record sum.
On behalf of everyone who has been moved by his incredible story, I want to say a huge thank you. He’s a true national treasure.
PM Boris Johnson
Boris Johnson ordered the high honour to be fast tracked, having promised to win him recognition for cheering the nation during the coronavirus crisis’s darkest moments.
Tom was also promoted to the honorary rank of colonel to mark VE Day two weeks ago after celebrating his 100th birthday last month.
Announcing the award, the PM – who learned of Tom’s efforts from his own coronavirus hospital bed - said: “Colonel Tom’s fantastic fundraising broke records, inspired the whole country and provided us all with a beacon of light through the fog of coronavirus.
“On behalf of everyone who has been moved by his incredible story, I want to say a huge thank you.
“He’s a true national treasure.”
A Government spokesperson added: “We know there is huge appetite to say thank you to all those supporting the nation during this emergency and doing incredible things day in, day out, up and down the country.
11
11
“We will ensure these unsung heroes are recognised in the right way, at the right time.”
Labour Party leader Sir Keir Starmer also added his congratulations, saying: “In these difficult times for our country, Tom brought inspiration to millions and helped all of us to celebrate the extraordinary achievements of our NHS.
“After serving his country during the war, Tom recognised that today’s heroes are our frontline NHS and care workers.
“In his actions, Tom embodied the national solidarity which has grown throughout this crisis, and showed us that everyone can play their part in helping build a better future.”
Join our George Cross campaign for NHS staff
We are urging Sun readers to sign a petition calling for our NHS staff to be awarded the George Cross.
We are backing a proposal by Lord Ashcroft to honour our health heroes with the gallantry gong given for acts of bravery that did not take place in battle.
A No10 spokesman said: “The NHS is doing a fantastic job and the nation will want to find a way to say thank you when we have defeated this virus.” SAS hero Andy McNab added: “The award of a George Cross would show an emotional appreciation.”
We are asking our readers to please sign the petition below.
MOST READ IN UK NEWS
Tom will be formally known as Captain Sir Thomas Moore after he is knighted.
Under MoD protocol, he will use his Army rank rather than his honorary colonel title. But his investiture ceremony is expected to have to wait until next year.
Two metre social distancing restrictions make it impossible for the Queen or members of her family to carry them out while the order is in place.
11
11
11
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS - STAY IN THE KNOW
Don't miss the latest news and figures - and essential advice for you and your family.
To receive The Sun's Coronavirus newsletter in your inbox every tea time, .
To follow us on Facebook, simply .
Get Britain's best-selling newspaper delivered to your smartphone or tablet each day - .
Captain Tom Moore talks about his experiences following his fundraising success as he prepares to write two new books
- GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]
Topics