99-year-old war veteran, Captain Tom Moore, has now raised over £20m for the NHS after walking 100 laps of his garden.

The figure is 20,000 times more than his original target of £1,000.

After completing 100 laps on Thursday, he plans to keep doing more as long as people continue donating to his appeal.

War veteran praised as 'beacon of hope'

The Second World War veteran started doing 25m lengths of his family's garden in Bedfordshire just over a week ago and reached his goal well before his target of his 100th birthday on 30 April.

And his actions have now led to a petition for him to be knighted after donations rocketed.


Responding online to the Change.org petition, Number 10 said Prime Minister Boris Johnson "will certainly be looking at ways to recognise Tom for his heroic efforts" after the online campaign received more than 500,000 signatures.

"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 PM will certainly be looking at ways to recognise Tom for his heroic efforts."

Image: Captain Moore with members of his family

Transport Secretary Grant Shapps told Sky News Cpt Moore is a "tremendous gentleman".

"He really truly is a British champion and I think he has given people a sense of hope, that somebody who has seen so much, and been through so much can take such a positive attitude."

Mr Shapps said he would not want to "pre-empt" the Queen's New Year's Honours List but said "it is quite clear that this gentleman has been almost the salvation of the nation in these difficult times."

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The Duke of Cambridge and Duchess of Cornwall have written to Cpt Moore and William has also made an undisclosed donation to the appeal, Kensington Palace said.

The 99-year-old is raising money for NHS Charities Together which supports health workers and volunteers caring for COVID-19 patients.

The cash will pay for care packs for staff, electronic devices for patients to keep in touch with family members and support groups for those recovering from coronavirus.

Cpt Moore has achieved the highest total raised by an individual on JustGiving.

Originally from Keighley in West Yorkshire, he trained as a civil engineer before enlisting in the Army for the Second World War, rising to captain and serving in India and Burma.