Colonel Thomas Moore, Immortalised on Coinage!
Synopsis
Who would have thought when Colonel Thomas Moore first appeared in local news on the 7th April that by the end of the month, he would be a national hero? With his 100th birthday walk for the NHS raising a whopping £32,795,275 and his cover of ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’ with Michael Ball and the NHS Voices of Care Choir selling 82,000 times to knock The Weekend off the top spot, there can be no doubt that he has inspired and united the people of the UK.
Who is Thomas Moore?
In case you’ve had your head buried under the duvet, in an attempt to avoid the doom and gloom outside, this is his (very good) news story…
Born on 30th April 1920 in Keighley, Yorkshire, Thomas Moore went to Keighley Grammar School and earned an apprenticeship in civil engineering before joining the army at the beginning of the Second World War. He served in India, Burma and Sumatra and was decorated for his service during the war earning four medals: the 1939-1945 Star, the Burma Star, the Defence Medal and the War Medal. After the war, then Captain Thomas Moore, became an instructor at the Armoured Fighting Vehicle School at Bovington Camp, Dorset. Once his army service was over, Captain Tom became a successful managing director and motorcycle racing champion!
Tom Moore Raises Funds For NHS
Captain Tom came to public attention when he decided to raise money for NHS Charities Together during the Covid-19 pandemic. He had previously been treated by the NHS for a broken hip and skin cancer and wanted to give back. Saying “I’ve had such marvellous service from the Nation Health Service, particularly the nurses,” Captain Tom pledged to raise £1000 for NHS Charities together by walking 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday. By the end of his challenge on 16th April, he had massively surpassed that target and finished his challenge live on BBC Breakfast surrounded by a guard of honour from the 1st Battalion of the Yorkshire Regiment.
Thomas Moore's 100th Birthday
By his 100th birthday, Captain Tom had become a national inspiration and when asked for his advice to the nation during such touch times, he famously responded “Remember, tomorrow is a good day”. His centenary was, of course, celebrated by the traditional telegram from the Queen but he also received so many birthday cards that the Bedford School hall and classrooms were filled and the local sorting office had to hire a dedicated ‘Captain Tom’ team.
Promotion to Col. Moore
For his birthday and his wonderful work, the armed forces honoured him too. The Army Foundation College in Harrogate promoted him to Colonel Thomas Moore, appointing him to an honorary position at the college to inspire the next generation of soldiers. Also, the RAF arranged a fly past, over his home in Marston Moretaine, by a wartime Spitfire and Hurricane.
We would love to add to this growing list of honours with a lasting commemoration of this inspirational man. Please, click here to add your voice and celebrate a brilliant achievement and a great man.
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