Captain Tom Moore, the unexpected hero during the coronavirus pandemic, has been awarded a knighthood for his fundraising efforts.
This story is part of our Good News series – bringing you positive headlines every day to spread positivity during difficult times.
Captain Tom had already been given the honorary title of colonel on his 100th birthday, and now he will officially become a Sir.
And he's already thinking about his meeting with the Queen, and hopes she takes it easy on him.
“I hope she’s not very heavy handed with the sword,” Captain Tom said. “By then I might be rather a poor old weak soul.”
When asked if he would reveal what he and the monarch discuss when the meeting happens, Captain Tom revealed he will remain tight-lipped after the encounter.
“Any discussion between me and the queen will have to be kept secret", he said.
News that Captain Tom is to become a Sir was confirmed on Wednesday 20th May.
Responding to the wonderful news, the war hero said, “This started as something small and I’ve been overwhelmed by the gratitude and love from the British public and beyond. We must take this opportunity to recognise our frontline heroes of the National Health Service who put their lives at risk every day to keep us safe.
“I am absolutely overwhelmed. Never for one moment could I have imagined I would be awarded with such a great honour. I’d like to thank Her Majesty The Queen, the Prime Minister and the Great British public. I will remain at your service…”
Many people congratulated Sir Tom for his incredible achievement. One said, ‘Congratulations it is well deserved! You did an amazing thing and earned our love and respect. Very best wishes x’.
Another wrote, ‘It may have started as something small but it has ended as something very big but nothing bigger than yourself. Well done, you deserve thanks and a global thanks for helping so many with your efforts.’
How much money has Captain Tom raised now for the NHS?
While he had initially set out to raise £1,000 for NHS charities, Capt Tom eventually raised £32,794,701 from more than one and a half million supporters.
Among his many supporters were famous faces such as the Duchess of Cornwall, Lewis Hamilton, PM Boris Johnson and the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge - who donated an 'undisclosed sum' to his campaign.
How far has Captain Tom walked?
In the lead up to his 100th birthday, Cap Tom completed a whooping 100 laps of the 25m (82ft) loop in his garden in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire.
He did it in 10-lap sessions, which took him a few weeks to complete.
A true hero. 💙
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