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British war veteran who raised millions for the NHS gets birthday letter from the Queen

May 1, 2020

Tom Moore raised the money by walking laps of his garden and has also been made an honorary colonel.

The British war veteran who raised more than $NZ60 million for the National Health Service has turned 100-years-old today.

For Captain Tom Moore, it began as a little challenge in his back garden by walking a hundred laps to try and raise around NZ$2000 for an NHS charity.

Today, he was honoured with a flyover by the Royal Air Service after reaching a total of NZ$61 million.

It is a combination of an extraordinary few weeks and a celebration of how one man’s cheerful determination has inspired people around the globe.

A fund raising machine according to Prince William has been an inspiration amid crisis.

“Captain Tom that is exactly what you are! A point of light in all our lives, so on behalf of all the country thank you and have a very special 100th birthday,” said Boris Johnson, British Prime Minister.

After his promotion from Captain to Colonel he was re-issued with an honour he'd misplaced - the defence medal for his service during World War II accompanied with a birthday letter from the Queen.

“I find it difficult to express how I feel because I’m so overwhelmed by this honour,” said Mr Moore.

Captain Tom was originally planning to mark his centenary with a family party but the celebrations have been put on hold due to the coronavirus pandemic. He'll spend his special day in self isolation at his daughter's home.

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