Petition goes viral for Captain Tom Moore to be knighted after raising millions for NHS
300,000 people have signed a petition calling for Captain Tom Moore to be knighted, just hours after the 99-year-old war veteran finished 100 laps of his garden to raise more than £14m for the NHS.
99-year-old veteran Captain Tom Moore, who was born in Yorkshire, has raised over £14 million for the NHS by walking 100 lengths of his garden.
He completed the last of the 25-metre laps on Thursday (16 April) morning and was cheered as he finished the 100th lap.
His achievements, which started at a modest target of £1,000 last week, ahead of his 100th birthday on April 30, have already been praised by Downing Street but now people would like to see Captain Tom Moor receive a knighthood for his efforts.
Sonia Wilson started her petition to create enough support for Capt Moore to be recognised in the next honours list, set to be published on the Queen’s official birthday in June. She said:
As well as the petition, the hashtag #KnighthoodforCaptainTom has been trending on Twitter and Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan, has called for viewers to back the campaign for Sir Tom Moore too.
Asked on Good Morning Britain if he would appreciate a knighthood, Capt Moore said:
You can sign the petition here: https://www.change.org/p/war-hero-tom-moore-aged-99-to-be-knighted-captaintommoore?utm_source=grow_gb&utm_medium=media&use_react=false
In response to the public campaign, the Prime Minister's spokesman said: “Tom has captured the heart of the nation with his heroic efforts and has raised an incredible amount of money for hardworking NHS staff.
“He has embodied the spirit of the whole country in doing their bit for the battle against coronavirus, to support the NHS and save lives.
“From his military contributions to his support for NHS staff, Tom has demonstrated a lifetime of bravery and compassion.
“The Prime Minister will certainly be looking at ways to recognise Tom for his heroic efforts.”