LONDON (UK) – 99-year-old British war veteran Captain Tom Moore, who raised over 23.2 million pounds for the health service will, next week, be the guest of honour for the opening of a new field hospital.
Captain Moore raised the amount of $29 million by walking 100 laps of his garden using his walking frame with wheels. Moore shall be extending his praise towards the National Health Service (NHS) workers via video link at the opening of a new “Nightingale” hospital in Harrogate, being set up to help deal with the coronavirus outbreak.
Captain Moore completed his challenge on Thursday and raised 23.35 million pounds by 1606 GMT on Saturday.
Moore was honoured to be opening the temporary field hospital and to have the chance to extend his gratitude to the NHS workers directly.
“I am still amazed by the amount of kindness and generosity from the UK public who continue to give despite it being an uncertain time for many. I think the amount raised demonstrates just how much we all value the dedication and sacrifices made by our NHS workers. I have fought during a war and they are now fighting in a war too.”
– Captain Tom Moore
He set himself the target of walking the 25 metres around his garden 100 times before his 100th birthday on April 30.
Captain Moore’s original target was 1,000 pounds but with mounting global media attention he achieved the amount listed about.
He is also in the running to be Britain’s “Sports Personality of the Year”.
Prince William hailed Captain Moore as an “absolute legend”.
The walk, Captain Moore says, was inspired by the care he received from the NHS when he broke his hip and when he was treated for cancer.
“On behalf of the NHS our heartfelt thanks go to Captain Tom Moore for his remarkable fundraising efforts for NHS charities, and to the public for their generosity in supporting him and our staff. Inviting Captain Moore to be our guest of honour at the opening of NHS Nightingale Yorkshire and Humber is the least we can do to thank him for his inspiring service and example, and no doubt there will be further ways in which we will be able to express our gratitude.”
– Simon Stevens, NHS Chief Executive
(Photos syndicated via Reuters)
This story has been edited by BH staff and is published from a syndicated field.