Captain Tom Moore receives Pride of Britain Award for raising £28m for NHS

‘I’m completely taken aback by this because I know it’s such an important award,’ says Captain Tom Moore

Matt Mathers
Monday 27 April 2020 09:11 EDT
Comments
Piccadilly Circus lights up for Captain Tom Moore

Your support helps us to tell the story

From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.

At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.

The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.

Your support makes all the difference.

Captain Tom Moore has received the Pride of Britain Award for raising over £28 million for the NHS.

Capt Moore, 99, initially set out to raise £1,000 for NHS Charities Together by walking 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday.

But his moving campaign captured the heart of the nation and surpassed the £20 million mark on 18 April – almost two weeks before his birthday on 30 April.

On 23 April, The World War Two veteran was interviewed about his upcoming birthday on Good Morning Britain via video link when Carol Vorderman surprised him with the award.

“That is absolutely amazing,” said Capt Moore receiving the award.

“It’s very difficult for me to believe something like this because the Pride of Britain award is a very important one. You are all so very very kind.

“I thank all the people who nominated me for the award. I am very humbled by receiving this magnificent award.

“I’m completely taken aback by this because I know it’s such an important award.”

After completing the challenge on 16 April, Capt Moore reassured the public that “at the end of the day we shall all be ok. The sun will shine on you again and the clouds will go away”.

Captain Moore’s fundraising efforts have not gone unnoticed in Downing Street, where a spokesperson for the prime minister said the government was looking at ways to recognise his achievement.

“From his military contributions to his support for NHS staff, Tom has demonstrated a lifetime of bravery and compassion,” the spokesperson added.

“[He] embodied the spirit of the whole country in doing their bit for the battle against coronavirus”.

Tens of thousands of fans have begun sending Capt Moore birthday cards ahead of the big day next.

You can find out how to send him one too by following this link.

Join our commenting forum

Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies

Comments

Thank you for registering

Please refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in