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Evening Standard
Evening Standard
National
Katy Clifton

War veteran Captain Tom Moore, 99, raises more than £20 million for NHS during coronavirus crisis

99-year-old war veteran Captain Tom Moore (Picture: PA)

War veteran Captain Tom Moore has now raised more than £20 million to help the NHS during the coronavirus crisis - twenty thousand times his initial target.

The 99-year-old Second World War veteran set out to raise £1,000 for the health service by completing 100 laps before his 100th birthday, which he achieved on Thursday.

On Friday, Mr Moore hit the staggering £20 million milestone after nearly 100,000 people donated to the fundraising page.

Hundreds of thousands of people have also now signed petitions calling for him to receive a knighthood for his feat, which has captured the hearts around the world.

One petition calling for the veteran to be named in the Queen’s honours list due to be published in June has so far garnered more than 450,000 signatures.

The Duke of Cambridge is among the people to have donated to his fundraising efforts.

The amount he donated has not been disclosed.

In a special video message, Prince William said: "It's amazing and what I love also is that he's a 99-year-old war vet.

"He's been around a long time, he knows everything and it's wonderful that everyone has been inspired by his story and his determination.

An NHS staff member wipes her eyes as she holds a sign to thank British veteran Captain Tom Moore (AFP via Getty Images)

"He's a one man fundraising machine and God knows what the final total will be. But good on him, and I hope it keeps going."

Mr Moore said it was “a moment we will never forget”, adding: "It's absolutely amazing that my super Prince can say something like that."

A poll among Evening Standard online readers shows 96 per cent of people believe he should be knighted.

The ex-serviceman, from Keighley in West Yorkshire, has earnt the praise of numerous high-profile figures including England footballer Harry Kane, F1 champion Lewis Hamilton and Matt Hancock.

Captain Tom has now raised £20 million for the NHS (PA)

The money raised will go to NHS Charities Together, which represents the 140 member charities supporting the health service.

You can donate to the fundraiser here.

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