British war veteran Captain Tom Moore who inspired the nation by raising more than £30m during lockdown celebrated his 100th birthday on Thursday. To commemorate his achievement on Thursday, Capt Moore, who has become a national hero after raising millions for the health service, was given a promotion, military flypasts and a message from the prime minister. The pensioner has been fundraising for charities that help front-line National Health Service staff by completing laps of his garden with the help of a walking frame, having initially set out to raise just £1,000. On Thursday his fundraising hit £30m and the figure means he now holds the Guinness World Record title for the most money raised by an individual through a walk. He has also gained the record for the oldest person to notch up a number one single in Britain's main music chart, featuring on a cover version of "You'll Never Walk Alone". His endeavours have won the hearts and admiration of the public at home and across the world. To celebrate his birthday, Capt Moore was appointed the first Honorary Colonel of the Army Foundation College, based near the town where he grew up, a position that came with the approval of Queen Elizabeth, the defence ministry said. He will also be re-presented with his World War Two Defence Medal which he had lost. Historic Second World War aircraft carried out a flypast above his home in Bedfordshire, central England, early on Thursday with a second fly over by modern Royal Air Force helicopters due later. Despite his promotion to colonel, he said he was still "Captain Tom" but added that he was honoured by his promotion and all the kind messages he had received. "If people choose to call me colonel well thank you very much," he said. The veteran, who served in southeast Asia during the war, waved at the fighter planes as they flew over his home. Since Monday, Britain's Royal Mail has added a special postmark to all stamped post with a congratulatory message to Capt Moore. More than 125,000 birthday cards have been sent to him by well-wishers. Due to the amount a nearby school has had to open and display them. "I never, ever anticipated ever in my life anything like this, it really is amazing. I must say ... thank you very much to everyone, wherever you are," he said. His exploits earlier this month have been heralded by politicians and royalty alike. Prime Minister Boris Johnson, who returned to work on Monday after recovering from Covid-19 himself, recorded a special message for Moore. "I know I speak for the whole country when I say we wish you a very happy 100th birthday. Your heroic efforts have lifted the spirits of an entire nation," Mr Johnson said. He described his as a "point of light in all our lives". The royal family have also sent messages of congratulations. "It's incredible, it's amazing," said Prince William, the queen's grandson. "It's wonderful that everyone is being inspired by his story, his determination ... he's a one man fund-raising machine."
