Newly promoted COLONEL Tom Moore is honoured with an RAF flypast over his home to celebrate his 100th birthday – as Boris Johnson tells him he is a 'point of light in all our lives'
- Captain Tom Moore will celebrate his 100th birthday today with a letter from the Queen and a promotion
- The World War II veteran will be made the first Honorary Colonel of the Army Foundation College, Harrogate
- There'll also be two flypasts to mark the day - by Army Air Corps helicopters and a Spitfire and a Hurricane
- Hundreds of thousands of cards have been sent to Bedford School, near the World War II veteran's home
- War hero became international star after raising more than £29 million for the NHS in battle against Covid-19
- Here’s how to help people impacted by Covid-19
The Prime Minister has today called Colonel Tom Moore a 'point of light in our lives' as he wished him a happy 100th birthday and thanked him for pulling the nation together through the coronavirus pandemic.
On an overwhelming day, Captain Tom was promoted to Honorary Colonel by the Queen to mark his birthday after he captured the hearts of the nation by raising £29 million for the NHS by doing laps of his garden.
The 100-year-old World War II veteran was then treated to two poignant flypasts to mark his big day, fighting back tears as the historic aircraft roared through the skies in his honour this morning.
Boris Johnson told Colonel Tom on BBC Breakfast: 'Your heroic efforts have lifted the spirits of the entire nation. You've created a channel to enable millions to say a heartfelt thank you to the remarkable men and women in our NHS who are doing the most astounding job.
'There is a tradition going back some years now where the Prime Minister takes a moment each day to thank someone for their service to others.
'By recognising them as a point of light. Captain Tom, that is exactly what you are - a point of light in all our lives. So, on behalf of the whole country, thank you, and have a very special 100th birthday.'
On his 100th birthday, Colonel Tom cheered as the historic aircraft thundered across the sky above him
Colonel Tom fought back tears as he watched the flypast in his honour this morning. He said after the event: 'I am one of the few people here who has seen a hurricane fly past in anger, but today, they're flying past in peace.'
The 100-year-old veteran watched in awe as the historic aircraft roared through the skies in his honour this morning
The poignant flypast marked the veteran's 100th birthday this morning
The BBC screened live footage of the flypast this morning, as the Colonel watched below with his family
Captain Tom has been promoted to Honorary Colonel by the Queen to mark his 100th birthday today after the World War II veteran captured the hearts of the nation by raising £29 million for the NHS by doing laps of his garde
The Prime Minister called Colonel Tom Moore a 'point of light in our lives' as he wished him a happy 100th birthday
There were be two poignant flypasts to mark his big day today – by Army Air Corps helicopters as well as a Spitfire and Hurricane in the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
Captain Tom Moore, a former British Army Officer, has been promoted to the rank of Colonel on his 100th Birthday by the Queen after he raised £29 million for the NHS amid the coronavirus pandemic
Newly-appointed Colonel Tom holds his Yorkshire Regiment Medal next to Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Miller at his home in Bedfordshire
Colonel Tom Moore celebrating his 100th birthday by carrying the 2012 Olympic torch, as he completes a lap of his garden
The promotion comes alongside a personal letter from Her Majesty and the new Colonel has also been re-presented with his Second World War Defence Medal ahead of next week's VE Day celebrations.
Along with the usual cake and champagne, there were two flypasts to mark his big day today – by Army Air Corps helicopters as well as a Spitfire and Hurricane in the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.
Colonel Tom said after watching the event: 'I am one of the few people here who has seen a hurricane fly past in anger, but today, they're flying past in peace.'
Appearing on BBC Breakfast this morning, a delighted Colonel Tom was clearly overwhelmed by his promotion in rank.
He said: 'To get that honorary rank in my regiment is something I never thought I would anticipate and I never would have imagined that. And if people called me Colonel, well, that would be great wouldn't it.
'I'm still Captain Tom, that's who I really am - but if people choose to call me Colonel, well, thank you very much.'
Thanking people for their support throughout his fundraising walk, he said: 'There has been so much kindness shown and so many people making kind remarks. It's really outstanding; I never anticipated anything in my life like this. Thank you to everyone whoever you are.'
As well-wishers across the globe sent cards in their thousands, Defence Secretary Ben Wallace paid tribute to Colonel Tom, saying he not only embodies 'the spirit of our incredible veteran community but also the resolve of this nation'.
General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith, Chief of the General Staff, made the appointment, making the veteran the first Honorary Colonel of the Army Foundation College, Harrogate, which trains 16 and 17-year-old soldiers.
He will be an 'inspirational role model to generations young and old,' Sir Mark said.
The veteran, who completed a sponsored walk of his garden in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire to raise millions for the NHS through JustGiving, was informed of the promotion in a letter presented by Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Miller, of the 1st Battalion, the Yorkshire Regiment, which also awarded him the prestigious annual Regimental Medal.
As well as congratulations from Prince Charles and Camilla, who said he makes her 'proud to be British', the veteran has also had a train named after him – The Captain Tom Moore – which will go into service with the new name today, Great Western Railway said.
Speaking to BBC Breakfast on his 100th birthday, Captain Tom Moore said: 'It hardly feels any different to yesterday. I don't know what you're meant to feel like when you get to 100.
'I've never been 100 before, so I really can't tell you what difference there is from yesterday, today or maybe tomorrow.'
He said he was 'absolutely delighted' with all the birthday wishes he has received, adding: 'It really is absolutely awesome the amount of people who've been so kind to make those remarks. Thank you all very much.'
Singer Michael Ball, who along with Captain Tom, reached number one in the charts with a cover of You'll Never Walk Alone, sang Happy Birthday to him live on air.
Ball told Captain Tom: 'I love the bones of you, sir, and thank you for letting me be part of this journey with you.'
Ball told BBC Breakfast: 'It's the most beautiful story in the most bleak of times, isn't it?
'And he's given us, as the Prime Minister said, a beacon of hope, a beacon of light. It's wonderful. I'm so proud to be part of it.'
Reacting to the birthday message from Boris Johnson, Captain Tom told BBC Breakfast: 'To get a message from the Prime Minister is really outstanding because he has been doing so well.'
Referring to the birth of Mr Johnson's new baby, he said: 'We've got another boy into the country. Well done, Prime Minister, thank you very much for your message.'
Asked how it felt to receive letters from the royal family, Captain Tom said: 'It's hard to say because to get letters from the royal family really is something which I never, ever anticipated, because they are to me such good people and are doing so well. Thank you very much, all of them.'
Benjie Ingram-Moore, 16, presenting his grandfather Captain Tom Moore with a photograph of the Great Hall of Bedford School, Bedfordshire, filled with cards for his 100th birthday
To celebrate his birthday, Virgin Radio presenter Chris Evans also sent Colonel Tom a London 2012 Olympic torch - believed to be the only one in existence that can still be lit - which the delighted veteran attempted to blow out.
Colonel Tom, who is celebrating with family at home in Bedfordshire, thanked the public last night, adding: 'It is quite extraordinary I am turning 100. It is even more extraordinary I am doing so with this many well-wishers... Tomorrow will be a good day.'
Captain Tom's daughter, Hannah Ingram-Moore, added in a statement: 'I want to look the great British and overseas public in the eye; I sincerely want you to know that for all the joy, hope and inspiration my father has given you; you have reenergised him and given him renewed purpose.
'Watching him talking and engaging with all of you, has been one of the most joyous things in my life. I cannot thank you enough.'
Earlier, his family said he had been left 'completely overwhelmed' after receiving hundreds of thousands of cards from around the globe to mark his 100th birthday.
Colonel Tom added: 'It's strange - one day I am 99 and then the next I am 100. To be honest, I don't feel any different, and there is plenty of life in the old dog yet I am sure.
'If it wasn't for my leg I would be outside in the garden, but I know I am extremely lucky.'
Colonel Tom added that he has always been an optimist, and always tries to never be too 'down in the dumps' knowing he has had a 'life fulfilled'.
The officer had set out at the start of this month to raise £1,000 for NHS Communities - but a surge of support saw him smash his target.
Pictured: A letter box painted blue to mark the 100th birthday of Second World War veteran Captain Tom Moore near Bedford
A woman walks her dog past cards and messages outside the home of Second World War veteran Captain Tom Moore as he celebrates his 100th birthday
'You'll never walk alone': Pictured is a message left for Colonel Tom Moore on a London Underground noticeboard
Respiratory Physiotherapy staff at Royal Wolverhampton NHS Trust wished 'NHS hero' Colonel Tom a happy birthday
A Happy 100th Birthday message to Colonel Tom Moore from the staff at the Lilac Ward Scarborough Hospital
Staff at Leicester General Hospital Ward 1 thank the officer for his tireless fundraising for healthcare workers
After passing his initial goal in less than 24 hours, donations continued to pour in and the total surged to more than £29million.
He was inundated with support and praise for his incredible effort, with people around the world sending him birthday cards.
It is unclear exactly how many cards he has been sent, though the number passed 120,000 a few days ago, with the cards kept at Bedford School near his home, with grandson Benjie helping to display them.
Speaking yesterday, he said: 'I am very comfortable and have everything I need. Covid-19 has left so many without, so please donate to those in need. Thank you.'
A family spokesman revealed that the veteran has been left 'completely overwhelmed' by the response to his fundraising effort.
A statement said: 'Captain Tom has been completely overwhelmed by the love he has received. Like many other people during this pandemic, he is not able to spend his birthday with all of his loved ones.
'Instead Tom is staying at home with his daughter Hannah and her family, who he has been self-isolating with.
'They will all celebrate privately and will be joined by his daughter Lucy and her family though the use of technology.
'Captain Tom will not be leaving his house at all and asks all local people, and those following his story, to stay at home and wish him Happy Birthday from afar.'
The Second World War veteran's fundraising effort led to an outpouring of support from all over the world.
As well as the walking, he also recorded a version of You'll Never Walk Alone with singer Michael Ball and the NHS Voices of Care Choir, which saw even more money raised for charity.
His cards are being held at Bedford School, attended by his 16-year-old grandson, Benjie Ingram-Moore.
Benjie said: 'It means a lot to grandad as well as us as a family. We are hugely proud of how the nation has taken grandad to its heart. Words can't express how much I idolise him.'
Dozens of artists, voiceover artists and photographers from across the UK also came together to make a film to celebrate the occasion.
Colonel Tom is depicted in dozens of artworks in the moving film, which is soundtracked by a heartwarming poem penned especially for his centenary.
The thousands of cards pictured on display at Bedford School, near Colonel Tom's home to mark his 100th birthday on Thursday
A total of 140 volunteers including pupils, parents, teachers and alumni have been helping organise the lorry-loads of cards being delivered to wish Colonel Tom a happy 100th birthday.
His eldest daughter Lucy Teixeira said he had received at least a thousands gifts 'of everything from chocolate and flowers'.
Speaking to the Sunday People, Lucy said: 'He is absolutely blown away and humbled by the support.'
She added she will be singing Happy Birthday to her father on BBC Breakfast today, saying: 'And he will have cake – he loves cake.'
Producers at BBC Breakfast worked alongside Buckingham Palace to organise the celebrations to mark the war hero's big day.
Tom - who currently holds the UK No1 single - will have the entire programme dedicated to his life and achievements.
A TV insider told The Sun that the team on Breakfast have been working with the palace on organising the telegram in time for the morning broadcast which they hope will come with a special message from Her Majesty.
The source said: 'It's going to be a really emotional day and they want to make it as memorable as possible for Tom by way of thanks for all he has done.
'They're lining up lots of surprises for him too. What Tom has achieved is the most incredible feat and the whole show will be dedicated to Tom and his special day.'
Richard Frediani, editor of BBC Breakfast, said plans were still be confirmed but added: 'Having followed Captain Tom's incredible story from the start the UK's most watched morning show will make sure the nation can safely come together to celebrate Captain Tom's 100th birthday on Thursday morning on BBC Breakfast.'
The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge were among the voices praising Cpt Moore for his incredible fundraiser, with Prince William hailing the Second World War veteran as a 'one-man fundraising machine'.
He added: 'He's been around a long time, he knows everything and it's wonderful that everyone has been inspired by his story and determination.'
Colonel Tom became the oldest person to have a No.1 single after his duet with Michael Ball reached the top of the UK charts.
The record was previously held by Tom Jones, who reached No.1 with [Barry] Islands In The Stream aged 68 in 2006, 32 years younger than Tom is now, aged 99.
Colonel Tom, who won the hearts of the nation with his National Health Service fundraising bid, will still hold the top spot when he celebrates his 100th birthday.
His and Michael's hit version of Liverpool Football Club anthem You'll Never Walk Alone has also become the fastest-selling single of 2020.
Their lead did appear to be threatened by The Weeknd, Drake and Dua Lipa, however The Weeknd backed the veteran in a tweet.
Real name Abel Tesfaye, he tweeted his support of Colonel Tom's chart bid to his 11.8 million followers, wishing him a happy birthday.
The former British Army Officer took to Twitter on Friday to share his gratitude to the Starboy hitmaker, 30, for supporting his song.
Tagging the singer in his message, Colonel Tom, who was also awarded a Pride Of Britain Award, said: 'My goodness, how gracious of you @theweeknd Benji tells me you're rather talented and very popular! What a kind gesture. Thank you!'
Speaking from his home in Bedfordshire, where he lives with daughter Hannah and her family, Captain Tom said: 'What wonderful news to receive today, a No.1 single and a record breaker too – my grandchildren can't believe I am a chart-topper!
'I have to thank Michael Ball, the NHS Voices of Care Choir and everyone behind the scenes, who shared their talents and expertise in order to raise money for the NHS, to whom we owe so much.
'And, of course, the public for buying the single and donating – we're in this together, and I am forever grateful for your support. And this just proves ''You'll Never Walk Alone''.'
All of the proceeds from the single will be donated to Captain Tom Moore's 100th Birthday Walk in aid of NHS Charities Together which supports the NHS staff and volunteers caring for COVID-19 patients.
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2020-04-30 08:26:16Z
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