99-Year-Old Captain Tom Moore Reaches $7.5 Million With His Remarkable NHS Coronavirus Appeal

Apr 15, 2020 by apost team

A 99-year-old World War II veteran, Captain Tom Moore, set out to raise £1,000 for NHS staff working during coronavirus, by vowing to walk 100 lengths of his backyard before his 100th birthday.

His goal was hit and then some –– the current total of donations has gone over £6 million! The Bedfordshire resident is on track to hit the projected 100 laps of his 25-meter garden by April 30, and has even vowed to continue walking as long as people keep donating.

After announcing his appeal on April 8, Capt Moore explained he had hoped to raise £1,000 (roughly US$1,200), but within 24 hours, his fundraiser had already hit 70 times that amount! Speaking with The Guardian, Capt Moore explained: "Ten pounds at a time, we might get a thousand. And we seem to have got a little bit better than that."

The extreme interest in his appeal prompted Capt Moore to extend his fundraiser –– and it's great that he did, considering how much more he's managed to raise for NHS staff. He stated:

"The more comes in, the better, because when I was in the hospital with my hip and then with my head, the service I got from those people was absolutely unbelievable."

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A WWII veteran, Capt Moore knows what bravery is, which is why his comment about the NHS staff's work is even more meaningful. Pointing to his medallioned coat, he said: "And if you look at this...fortune favors the brave, and that's what they are, they are brave."

It's incredibly heartwarming that in these tough times we're facing with the coronavirus pandemic, that people from all walks of life are coming together. In this case, one veteran's bravery and strength, even at 99-years-old, acknowledging the bravery of what the National Health Service are doing for the entire United Kingdom.

All of the money Capt Moore has raised will be donated to the NHS Charities Together, and aid in wellbeing packs and rest and recuperation centers for frontline staff. 

Capt Moore has vowed to keep going with his challenge of walking laps in his garden as long as there are still donations coming in, explaining: "And I shall continue up and down here until after my birthday. I will keep going while people are still contributing to the NHS."

A hero veteran supporting hero medical workers –– it's truly incredible to see hope, positivity, and support shared between people who put their country and the wellbeing of others ahead of themselves. We can all aspire to their level of commitment and contribution to their communities, so keep them in mind as we continue through this current crisis.

What do you think of Capt Moore's incredible appeal and how much money he has raised for the NHS? Let us know in the comments and be sure to pass this on to your family and friends, especially those who are veterans or medical workers.