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Captain Tom Moore’s charity single has gone straight to the top of the UK iTunes chart as the hero’s fundraising total exceeded a staggering £ 22 million.
The 99-year-old war veteran collaborated with singer Michael Ball on a poignant version of “Never Never Walk Alone.”
It has narrowed narrowly the touching interpretation of Vera Lynn of We will meet again to the first position.
The 99-year-old war veteran is raising millions for the NHS Charities Together amid the coronavirus pandemic, after initially hoping to raise just £ 1,000 by completing 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday.
Captain Tom Moore’s charity single, a collaboration with singer Michael Ball, has gone directly to the top of the UK iTunes chart.
The veteran collaborated with singer Michael Ball (pictured) for a moving version of “Never Never Walk Alone”
Ball and Captain Moore’s single (pictured) has narrowly lifted Vera Lynn’s poignant performance of We Meet Meet Again to No. 1
Captain Tom has been raising money for NHS Charities Together to help frontline doctors combat the coronavirus pandemic, which has killed 14,576 in the UK.
Initially he hoped to raise £ 1,000 by completing 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday.
He finished the walk ahead of schedule on Thursday, after starting on April 13, and has seen more than a million donors help fundraise exceed £ 22 million.
After capturing the hearts of the nation, Captain Tom joined forces with Ball to create his own edifying version of “Never Never Walk Alone”.
The couple recorded the 1945 Rodgers and Hammerstein melody duo, which has become an anthem for medical staff during the pandemic, with the NHS Voices of Care choir.
The song has an introduction to Captain Moore’s spoken work, where it says, “Keep your head up and don’t be afraid of the dark.”
It has already risen to the top of the iTunes chart ahead of the World War II veteran’s 100th birthday on April 30.
Originally from Keighley in West Yorkshire, Captain Moore trained as a civil engineer before enlisting in the Army for World War II, becoming a captain and serving in India and Burma.
Captain Moore was sent to India where he fought in the Arakan Campaign from 1942 to 1943 during World War II.
Michael Ball sang “Never Never Walk Alone” from his home to Captain Moore on Thursday after saying, “It is an extraordinary achievement. I have been trying to think of a song that sums up your achievement and what you have done for us. ‘
The country has brought the war veteran with this sign at Piccadilly Circus in central London congratulating him
West End star Ball, 57, had asked for his single set to hit number one in time for Cpt Moore’s birthday.
He said: ‘There is not one of us who was not inspired by Captain Tom Moore. It is one of the greatest honors of my career to sing with this true national hero, supported by the incredible NHS Voices for Care Choir.
“Not only is he the greatest fundraiser in British history and a decorated war veteran, he is the most charming man you could ever want to meet.
‘I hope he can now add a singing star to his many talents. It wouldn’t be wonderful if we could give him a number one record for his 100th birthday!
Cpt Moore said: “Never in my wildest dreams did I imagine I would release a single with Michael Ball OBE, but I also didn’t think it was possible to walk in the garden and raise millions.”
‘So why not sing, spread a little joy and again? Raise money for our national heroes. NHS, this is for you!
The Duke of Cambridge personally thanked Captain Moore, where he was shown a pre-recorded message from William praising the veteran’s achievement as “incredible” and “incredible.”
In the video, the duke said: “ What I also love is that he is a 99-year-old war veteran, has been around for a long time, knows everything, and it is wonderful that everyone has been inspired by his history and determination.
‘I think it is a one man fundraising machine.
“God knows what the final total will be, but it’s good for him, I hope it continues.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he is looking for ways to recognize his “heroic efforts.”
Originally from Keighley in West Yorkshire, Captain Moore trained as a civil engineer before enlisting in the Army for World War II, becoming a captain and serving in India and Burma.
Yesterday it was learned that the hero could get a Spitfire air flight for his 100th birthday in 12 days.
A team of Hangar Biggin Hill Heritage aircraft restorers hopes to fly the plane beyond their home as a “small gesture” to celebrate their accomplishments.
“ It will really be a moral boost for all of us to see a Spitfire in the sky, ” Alex Monk 21 of the Hangar told The Telegraph. “It has been a symbol of freedom in the past and an icon for Tom.”
The plan is for the Spirit of Kent, which was built in 1945 and flew on the commemorative flight of the Battle of Britain, to fly 500 feet and 250 mph above the former tank commander’s home in the village of Marston Moretaine in Bedfordshire. . They are waiting for permission from the Department of Transportation.
Britons across the country have teamed up with the hero of World War II for their morning walk.
Captain Moore fans have started uploading videos of themselves on social media with the hashtag #walkwithtom.
Dozens have been sharing their morning walks and showing their appreciation for the heroic efforts of the veterans.
Spitfire Spirit of Kent (pictured at Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar, Surrey) can fly over the home of WWII hero in Bedfordshire to celebrate his achievement
Some shared messages of support for the war hero, including a young man named Harry, who wore his own military outfit to complete a tour of his garden yesterday.
He said to Captain Moore, ‘My mom is a nurse. I just wanted to thank you for helping the NHS and doing a great job. I hope you have a happy birthday.
Others shared videos of themselves walking the local field as they cheered for Captain Moore and praised him for continuing his challenge despite breaking his initial goal of £ 1,000.
Cpt Moore has been praised by the Duke of Cambridge and a long list of celebrities, and Prime Minister Boris Johnson is looking for ways to recognize his “heroic efforts.”
More than 800,000 have signed online petitions calling for ‘Sir Tom’ to be knighted.
Captain Moore, who turns 100 on April 30, only planned to raise £ 1,000 when he started his fundraising journey.
Yesterday images of Captain Moore emerged watching a video in which the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge praised him for his remarkable achievement.
Filled with joy at the message, Captain Moore, whose appeal also received an undisclosed donation from William and Kate, said it was “absolutely incredible” to hear his “super prince” say such kind words about his fundraising efforts.
Prince William said of Captain Moore’s efforts in an interview with BBC Breakfast this morning: ‘It is incredible. It’s amazing.
“What I also love is that he is a 99-year-old war veteran, has been around for a long time, knows everything, and it is wonderful that everyone has been inspired by his history and determination.”
“I think it’s a one-man fundraising machine and God knows what the final total will be, but it will be good for him.” I hope it continues. ‘
To which Captain Moore responds, after watching the interview: ‘Well, I think that is absolutely incredible. That my super prince can say something like that.
Prince William and Kate were talking to the BBC about how they had dealt with the coronavirus pandemic.
The couple revealed that they homeschool their children over the Easter holidays and spoke about fears for Prince Charles over his diagnosis of coronavirus.
Kate also said the family had gone through “ups and downs” during the shutdown “like many families” since it was imposed on March 23, but that they had kept in touch with other family members through online video calls.
Boris Johnson’s official spokesman hinted at a possible knighthood for Captain Moore and said: ‘Tom has shown a life of bravery and compassion. The Prime Minister will surely look for ways to recognize Tom and his efforts. ‘
The veteran said: I would be surprised to have that honor and meet our wonderful Queen. It’s amazing that it can happen. ‘
He added: ‘I am a great admirer of all that His Majesty has done for this country. I don’t think it’s a global phenomenon at all, just a grandpa doing a few laps around his garden, ‘according to The Sun.
Ladbrokes has now suspended betting on Captain Moore to be knighted this year.
As of yesterday morning, more than 890,000 supporters had donations for Captain Moore’s appeal.
Speaking on BBC Radio 2’s Zoe Ball breakfast show on Friday, he said: ‘It really is absolutely huge, isn’t it? It’s hard to imagine that amount of money, but it’s coming very well. ‘
His daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore said: ‘Tom is clear that as long as people believe that it is worth investing, they will keep walking because this is for such a phenomenal cause.
“We know this story will have life, so as long as people donate we will continue to support my father to do so and he will continue walking.”
Speaking about Prince William’s message, he told Radio 2: “ Never in my life did I anticipate being in contact with such important and super people who have been making kind comments like this.
“He really is out of this world.”
Addressing the public, he added: “ I say thank you very much because the object we are contributing is very important and so necessary, and I appreciate and believe that all of you are so kind and caring in contributing to this cause. ‘
Before beginning the last leg of his challenge in the light of the Thursday morning sun, four soldiers from the Yorkshire Regiment who came out to support him saluted him with their framework.
He received an enthusiastic greeting on the final leg of his walk that has seen donated money from people in 53 countries. The World War II veteran bowed his head and smiled as his medal chest in his suit gleamed.
Speaking after finishing, an emotional Captain Moore told BBC Breakfast: ‘I never dreamed that I would be involved on such an occasion. We are doing very well, and knowing that the reason we started was because of the NHS.
He added: ‘I think everyone should remember that in the end we will get through it, everything will be fine, but it can take time. All people find it difficult at this time, the sun will shine again and the clouds will go away.
Michael Ball then sang “Never Never Walk Alone” from his home, after saying, “It is an extraordinary achievement. I have been trying to think of a song that sums up your achievement and what you have done for us.
When asked about the song, Captain Moore said, “ First of all, Michael is a super singer. I think it is true that people, we will not walk alone, wherever you are there are other people thinking of you thinking that soon everything will improve and we will all smile again. ”
After sitting next to his daughter, he saw a compilation of athletes and celebrities praising him for his achievement, including cricketer Ben Stokes, former race car driver Damon Hill, and television character Judge Judy.
Colonel of his former regiment, Brigadier General Andrew Jackson, described him as a “legend”. Later, tears welled up in Captain Moore’s eyes during a BBC Breakfast interview when he was told that he had been an inspiration to millions.
When asked what he thinks about the potential of being a knight, Captain Moore told the program: “It would be wonderful to have that honor, but I don’t expect any of it.” I think it would be absolutely huge if I were a gentleman, to be Sir Thomas Moore, I had never heard anything like this before
And speaking of the Queen, she added: “I think the Queen is wonderful and she is doing such an excellent job because all the time that she has been Queen she has been the leader of the country, and I have great appreciation for her.” I hope she continues as queen for a long time.
And on his 100th birthday on April 30, Captain Moore said, ‘Well, originally we were going to have a big party here with all my friends and relatives and we were all imagining what it would be like.
‘For so long people have said’ are you going to have a birthday party? ‘I probably hope to be invited, but I’m afraid that cannot happen now because everyone has to be six meters from me.
“But today is really something special with all of you here and all the kind people who watch and all of you who present money.” And that’s enough for me, and I hope they are well enough to be here when we have a proper party.
‘But that will not happen for a while because we are going to be locked up for a little while longer. I feel like people are in a very limited space for week after week, it must be very, very difficult, and I congratulate everyone who sticks to the rules and stays in their own homes. ”
When told that he was now the largest individual fundraiser on the JustGiving website, Captain Moore added: ‘That is a good record to break. The records are there to be beaten and I am very happy that it is this cause that has benefited so much. ”
The 99-year-old gave the go-ahead and received a welcoming hug from his daughter and grandchildren as he posed for the media after his 100th lap of his garden.
The war veteran rested after the efforts of his morning walk to complete the 100 laps of his garden. “Just a little rest,” he joked.
But within an hour, he returned by pushing his wheeled Zimmer frame around the paved area of the large garden while chatting with his 16-year-old grandson Benji and his 11-year-old granddaughter Georgia.
He had loved meeting soldiers from the modern version of the regiment he had served in after being recruited in 1940 when he was 20 years old.
Captain Moore said seeing the soldiers give him an honor guard had given him a boost as he walked the last lap.
“They were good boys and so nice they could be here,” he said. He was with the Duke of Wellington’s regiment which was formed in the Yorkshire regiment where they are from. It was lovely to see you here.
Her grandson, Benji, said the war veteran was an inspiration to people his age, adding: “I’ve always known what a strong character he was and if anyone was going to do this he was our grandfather.”
“He is a proud Yorkshireman and what he has accomplished is incredible and I am very proud of it.” I know you want to keep walking as long as people keep giving money. You don’t want to give up, as you are giving so much hope to so many others in these difficult times. ”
Claire Baxter, who works for her local surgery and detected his skin cancer, said she was “tearful” at his accomplishments, adding: “We are very proud of him, adore him and feel honored to be able to care for him. .
‘He is a true gentleman. I really love him. It is every time you enter. He sees me twice a week since May to get dressed and he always comes with a smile on his face: how am I, how is my family. We both enjoyed Formula One, so we talked about it. It is a joy to see him. We miss him so much, but we are glad he is safe and well.
Speaking about his health, Captain Moore told ITV This Morning: ‘My health is fine, I’m fine because of the NHS. When I broke my hip and when I had cancer of the head, I was treated very well. They deserve every penny they receive.
“Our own national service is absolutely beyond that, it does it very well, and right now all the personnel who are in mortal danger every day, enter service and do it happily, whatever the outcome.”
‘You will know that at that time everyone came and did very well. All of the doctors, nurses, and support staff are doing a wonderful job for the entire nation.
“ The war we are facing right now, with this invisible enemy, the doctors, the nurses who are putting themselves in mortal danger are on the front line and we are the ones who are backing down.
“It is our job to give them everything they need to do their job correctly because they have done it so bravely.”
Ian Lush, President of NHS Charities Together, which Captain Moore is supporting, said: ‘It was extraordinary, I feel a particular personal connection because Captain Tom was in Burma in India at the end of the war, and also my late father who was the Major Cecil Lush, of the engineers, and they may well have met.
“It is extraordinary to see the amount of money and the outpouring of goodwill towards the NHS and all the NHS charities that will take care of the money it is raising.”
When asked what happens to the money, he said: ‘There are about 150 NHS charities that will benefit from this money, we are a membership organization and now a large fundraising organization, I am the president and I run one of the 150 charities that is Imperial Health Charity: we support three hospitals.
“ We are spending money to support staff in times of crisis, we are supporting wellness, we are making pods for them to sleep in hospitals so they don’t have to go home between shifts.
‘We are doing counseling, we are doing all kinds of things, but we are also saving money so that we have money to help us over the next 18 months or so to support the staff.
‘We also support patients and families with our social assistance grants, so there are many different ways the money will be used. We are all charities with a lot of experience using these types of funds, so we will make sure you go to the right places. ”
Her daughter Hannah Ingram Moore told MailOnline that she was “amazed” by the £ 12m her father had raised so far. “It is just amazing and I am sure it will go higher when the hike is over,” she said.
He added that his father had become “a beacon of hope for people” in difficult times and that donations were “beyond words” as the country struggles with a pandemic that has claimed more than 12,000 lives.
Captain Moore is portrayed at the center during his days in the Army. He joined the Armed Forces in 1940 when he was 20 years old.
Captain Moore married Pamela in 1968 and they had two daughters, Lucy and Hannah. The wedding is portrayed in 1968
Moore also said that the local postmaster had already been ‘inundated’ with messages before Captain Moore’s 100th birthday, which will arrive in a fortnight on April 30.
Major Ian Atkins of the Yorkshire Regiment, who is the equivalent of Captain Moore today, said yesterday at his home: “ It is an honor and a privilege for us to be here to support Tom in an exceptional achievement.
‘It is absolutely fantastic, but over £ 12 million is amazing. We see Tom as a member of the regiment family, so being here to support him is a privilege. ‘
Uniformed soldiers were on hand to cheer on the ‘fantastic captain’ as he completed ten stretches of his home garden.
The Director-General of the World Health Organization, Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, tweeted his praise for Captain Moore, saying: ‘This is such an inspiring story and an extraordinary act of solidarity! Thank you very much, Captain Tom Moore, for such a wonderful idea and lesson in humanity! Together, against # COVID19! #ThanksHealthHeroes’.
Previously, Captain Moore had said that NHS workers on the front line “deserve all we can give them,” and told ITV: “I have always been one for having a future, I always believe that things will be good.” We have fought so many battles and we have always won and we will win again. ”
Such is the fame of Captain Moore: Half a dozen policemen were stationed outside the front door of the house he shares with his daughter and family.
And Captain Moore told MailOnline that instead of standing up for a well-deserved break, he plans to continue walking and raise even more money.
He said: ‘I have completed my 100 laps, but I am going to keep walking because I know I have the amazing British crowd behind me every step of the way.
“I am completely overwhelmed by everyone’s support and cannot thank them enough for supporting my mission of raising money for our beloved NHS.”
Hannah, with whom she has lived for 12 years, said she was filled with pride for her father who celebrates his 100th birthday later this month.
She said: ‘We knew we could do 100 laps of the garden, no doubt, but never in a million years did we expect to raise this amount of money.
‘Everyone is talking about Captain Tom Moore, and that makes me incredibly proud as his daughter. I have seen the entire nation fall in love with my father, and he deserves all the love, appreciation, and support for his incredible mission. So thanks from all of us.
The World War II hero, who joined the army in 1940 when he was 20, had set out to raise £ 1,000 by walking slowly 100 stretches of his garden before celebrating his 100th birthday.
But inspired by the messages of support that flooded his family, he released 90 lengths in just over a week. He completed the last ten laps of the original challenge this morning.
He had wanted to raise money to thank the NHS staff who had supported him through the treatment of skin cancer and a hip fracture. When word of her fundraising spread through social media, she quickly topped the total of £ 1,000.
Ellie Orton, executive director of the charity on the receiving end of Captain Moore’s fundraiser, said: “ I think I am absolutely joining the rest of the country to be truly inspired and deeply humiliated by Captain Tom and what he has done. accomplished. Thank you for being an inspiration and a role model. ‘
Captain Tom started the last laps at 7.45 am Thursday, seen by BBC and ITV film crews.
Antes de comenzar, rindió homenaje al NHS y dijo: “Me siento bien, estando en el ejército estoy acostumbrado a levantarme temprano”.
El ex oficial del Ejército admitió estar sorprendido por la respuesta a sus esfuerzos de recaudación de fondos diciendo que el apoyo ha sido “absolutamente fabuloso”.
En un llamado a la nación, agregó: ‘Sigamos y recordemos que las cosas mejorarán. Hemos tenido problemas antes, los hemos superado, y todos volveremos a superar lo mismo ”.
Puede donar a la magnífica campaña de caridad de Tom yendo a justgiving.com/fundraising/tomswalkforthenhs
