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And on Friday we launch a petition to make sure the 99-year-old World War 2 veteran receives a knighthood for his services to this country. Express.co.uk is leading the charge to make sure Captain Tom receives the recognition he deserves after completing the final four of the 25-metre laps at his Bedfordshire home on Thursday morning.

Captain Tom's true grit to raise money for the National Health Service has spread joy across the country amid the coronavirus gloom. At aged 99 this is no small feat and truly represents the best of British spirit as the whole country does their bit to battle against the invisible killer disease.

We believe his efforts should now be recognised by the Queen with a Knighthood. It comes after a staggering 91 percent (3,799 people) agreed the pensioner should be honoured for his extraordinary fund-raising efforts in an exclusive Express.co.uk online poll. SIGN THE PETITION IN THE BOX BELOW...

Captain Tom Moore deserves a knighthood after his astonishing NHS fundraising

The retired army captain, who has used a walking frame with wheels since breaking his hip, set himself the target of walking the 25 metres around his garden 100 times before his 100th birthday on April 30. Dressed in a blazer and tie and displaying his war medals, after completing his walk ahead of his deadline, Captain Moore said: "For all those people who are finding it difficult at the moment: the sun will shine on you again and the clouds will go away. YOU CAN ALSO SIGN THE PETITION BY CLICKING HERE NOW He completed his challenge to praise from around the country and beyond - and a salute from soldiers in the regiment which replaced his own. The story has lifted the hearts of a nation in lockdown, weary of relentless waves of grim news.

Captain Tom Moore has won the hearts of the nation by raising an astonishing £13million for the NHS

Captain Tom Moore used a walking frame with wheels to complete his challenge

Captain Tom said his walk was inspired by the care he received from the NHS when he broke his hip and when he was treated for cancer. His original target was a modest £1,000. But that aim was blown away as media attention from around the globe zoomed in on his garden in Bedfordshire. It has also embodied an outpouring of gratitude for our inspirational doctors, nurses and other healthcare workers on the front line in the fight against the pandemic. DON'T MISS

Captain Tom Moore asked what he'd say to Queen if knighted [INTERVIEW]

Express.co.uk readers backs calls for knightood for Captain Tom Moore [POLL]

Tom Moore Just Giving: How do I donate to Captain Tom Moore? [DONATE]

Captain Tom Moore's original target was a modest £1,000

Captain Tom Moore received a guard of honour from soldiers from the First Battalion of the Yorkshire Regiment

Captain Moore said the £15million he has raised was an "absolutely fantastic sum of money". He said: "It's unbelievable that people would be so kind to give that sort of money to the National Health Service." Captain Moore received a guard of honour from soldiers from the First Battalion of the Yorkshire Regiment, the successor to his Duke of Wellington's regiment, as he completed his final lap.

The coronavirus crisis continues to grip the UK

But we think it would only be right for inspirational Captain Tom to be knighted. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has said he will look at ways to recognise Captain Tom Moore's heroic efforts. The Prime Minister's spokesman told a Westminster briefing: "From his military contributions to his support for NHS staff, Tom has demonstrated a lifetime of bravery and compassion.

Captain Tom Moore completed his challenge days before he is due to turn 100

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