Yorkshire veteran Captain Tom completes his NHS fundraising challenge raising more than £12 million

Captain Tom Moore completed his push for a century of 25-metre laps this morning (April16) before he turns 100 on April 30.

Originally from Keighley in West Yorkshire, Mr Moore trained as a civil engineer before enlisting in the Army for the Second World War, rising to captain and serving in India and Burma.

The veteran, who now lives with his family in Bedfordshire, had hoped to raise £1,000 for the NHS when he started last week.

Keighley and Ilkley MP Robbie Moore said that while he was conscious that volunteers up and down the country, including those in his own constituency, were volunteering, the veteran can be seen as a symbol for such national efforts.

Speaking as the veteran passed the £5m mark Mr Moore said: "I've already donated to his campaign, I know when I put my money in a couple of days ago it was at half a million.

"[To get to £5m], that just shows how an individual can really change hearts and minds of the whole country, really.

"I think the fact that an individual has now raised £5m effectively, it does probably need some sort of recognition at a high level."

He added: "How cool would that be in his 100th year?"

Barnsley Central MP Dan Jarvis, who has a military background, said: "Tom Moore is a truly remarkable individual. His commitment and dedication to raising much-needed funds to support our NHS in the fight against the Coronavirus should be commended and recognised.

“Well done and happy birthday Captain Tom!”

Lisa Shattock, Director at SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity, told The Yorkshire Post: “Captain Moore served his country during one of the most devasting wars the world has ever seen.

"Almost 75 years to the day after that war came to an end, he is showing his selfless dedication to his country once more; supporting the NHS as they fight against this new invisible and deadly enemy.

"He is a beacon of light and has captured the imagination of this country in a very dark time, we hope that he will be formally recognised for his inspirational efforts.

"Everyone at SSAFA, the Armed Forces charity is supporting and cheering him on.”

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