Captain Sir Tom Moore: A timeline of the veteran’s life since he raised millions for NHS

Captain Sir Tom Moore has passed away at the age of 100. Credit: PA

Captain Sir Tom Moore became a household name after his fundraising efforts captured the public's imagination at the height of lockdown.

He raised almost £33 million for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his garden and caught the attention of the world in doing so.

Here is a timeline of the Second World War veteran’s life since he raised millions for the NHS.



April 6 2020

Captain Tom, aged 99, sets out to walk 100 laps of his garden by his 100th birthday.

His target is to raise £1,000 for the NHS.

Captain Sir Tom Moore Credit: Chris Jackson/PA

April 8

He is interviewed on his local TV news programme after his daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore sends them a press release.

April 14

Donations to the veteran’s JustGiving page break the £1 million mark after national media reports on his efforts.

April 15

Health Secretary Matt Hancock hails Captain Tom as an “inspiration to us all” as donations top £10 million.

April 16

Captain Tom completes his 100th lap of his garden and vows to keep walking.

April 17

The Duke of Cambridge describes the veteran as an “absolute legend”. Donations exceed £20 million.

April 21

Captain Tom opens a new Nightingale hospital in his native Yorkshire in a virtual appearance.

Captain Sir Tom Moore opened one of the Nightingale hospitals with his daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore. Credit: PA

April 24

He becomes the oldest artist to reach number one in the UK singles charts with his rendition of You’ll Never Walk Alone, recorded with singer Michael Ball.

April 27

Royal Mail announces a special postmark to celebrate Captain Tom’s upcoming birthday.

April 29

Great Western Railway (GWR) names a train after Captain Tom.

A train is named after the fundraising legend. Credit: Great Western Railway

April 30

A Spitfire flypast marks the veteran’s 100th birthday. He receives thousands of cards including one from the Queen. His fundraising page closes at midnight having totalled almost £33 million.

May 5

Captain Tom is awarded a gold Blue Peter badge.

May 12

He is awarded the Freedom of the City of London in a virtual ceremony.

July 17

Captain Tom is knighted by the Queen in her first official engagement in person since lockdown lifted, becoming Captain Sir Tom Moore.

Captain Sir Thomas Moore receiving his knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II. Credit: PA

July 31

He is awarded the freedom of his home town, Keighley in Yorkshire.

August 3

He is made honorary colonel of the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, North Yorkshire.

Captain Sir Tom Moore’s portrait at the National Army Museum. Credit: PA

August 14

His portrait is unveiled at the National Army Museum in London. Artist Alexander Chamberlin says he is “hugely proud” to have painted it.

September 17

Sir Tom launches his autobiography, called Tomorrow Will Be A Good Day. Sales help to support his charity the Captain Tom Foundation, which aims to spread hope.

September 23

A film company announces it is to give Sir Tom the big screen treatment, following a fierce bidding war.

November 5

He launches a campaign called Walk With Tom, aiming to ease loneliness as England enters a second lockdown.

November 16

He becomes GQ’s oldest cover star as the magazine names him its Inspiration Of The Year at the annual Men Of The Year awards.

Captain Sir Tom Moore arriving for GQ Men Of The Year awards at the London Coliseum Credit: GQ

December 11

After consulting doctors, Sir Tom and his family fly to Barbados after being treated to a holiday by British Airways.

December 25

On Christmas Day Sir Tom tells BBC Breakfast things “will get better” as families spend the holiday alone due to restrictions.

January 1 2021

His figure is formed in lights as part of New Year’s Eve celebrations in London to mark the end of 2020.

Fireworks erupt behind a drone display of Captain Tom Moore in London's New Year's Eve celebrations. Credit: PA

January 6

Sir Tom returns to Britain.

January 12

The veteran is admitted to Bedford Hospital and is diagnosed with pneumonia. Between December 9 and January 12 he is regularly tested for Covid-19 and tests negative each time.

January 22

Sir Tom is discharged to his family home so he can feel “comfortable” but tests positive for coronavirus on the same day.

January 31

He is taken back to Bedford Hospital by ambulance for additional treatment for his breathing, after previously receiving care at home from his family and medical professionals.

February 1

His condition deteriorates and daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore and grandchildren Benjie and Georgia visit his bedside to say goodbye while his other daughter Lucy Teixeira speaks to him by video call.

February 2

Sir Tom dies aged 100 in Bedford Hospital as his daughters pay tribute to their “incredible father”.