Sir Thomas Moore, also known as Tom Moore, is a former captain of the British Royal Army. This officer who distinguished himself throughout his military career for his heroic commitment and selflessness in the defense of his homeland, is today considered England among the oldest surviving army veterans. In fact, he has to complete his 100th birthday this year, since he was born on April 30, 1920.
But rather than bustling about celebrating the event, this old soldier on the eve of his birthday went to raise money to support his country’s efforts in this new global war against the coronavirus.
And what was his surprise! A prize pool of 33 million pounds which he managed to raise, whereas initially he counted only on the trifle sum of 1000 pounds.
But how did he manage to raise this massive amount of money?
On April 6, 2020, Thomas Moore, who was still 99 years old, decides to take up the challenge by making a series of marches for the benefit of a charity committed to the fight against the Covid-19 pandemic. The idea was to make, before his hundredth birthday, a hundred crossings in his garden, 25 meters long, in exchange, he pocketed a thousand pounds that he will donate to this association.
This generous action, however, had an echo across the country and the veteran officer managed, thanks to extensive media coverage, to reach the sum of £ 30 million on the evening of April 30, the very day of his birthday.
It must be said that the action of this centenarian, so courageous and so laudable, reacted to public opinion, which thus mobilized to help the man in his charitable work.
By this gesture, the veteran captain showed that he is indeed an exceptional man who does not want to rest or remain indifferent in the face of a destructive virus which is wreaking havoc among his compatriots. It seems that the patriotic streak of the man, who had previously devoted all his youth to defend his homeland with arms, is so strong, so alive …
Indeed, Thomas Moore who was born and raised in the United Kingdom has dedicated his entire life to the service of his country. He joined the army very early on and was involved in all fights to defend his homeland. His heroism is such that he has been repeatedly honored and decorated with titles such as the «Yorkshire Regiment Medal» and «Star War Medal 1939- 945» war medals.
Thus, neither his many decorations nor his advanced age discouraged him from once again taking the initiative and being on the side of his people in this tragic ordeal. The soldier he was could not remain indifferent, as thousands of his compatriots perish under the relentless onslaught of a ruthless virus.
He decides – in a last burst perhaps – to take up the challenge by indulging in this painful physical exercise to participate in the collection of donations intended for the NRH caregivers so that they stand firm in the face of the devastating advances of this murderous machine that is Covid-19.
This reinforcement to lend a hand to soldiers in hospitals has been hailed across the country, including politicians, the British Prime Minister Boris Johnson proposing on May 19, 2020 to award him the title of «Knight» (the knight). An appointment that was immediately approved by Queen Elizabeth II on May 20 and formalized seven days later.
