Capt Moore, 99, initially set out to raise £1,000 for NHS Charities Together by walking 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday.

But his moving campaign captured the heart of the nation and surpassed the £20 million mark on 18 April – almost two weeks before his birthday on 30 April.

On 23 April, The World War Two veteran was interviewed about his upcoming birthday on Good Morning Britain via video link when Carol Vorderman surprised him with the award.

“That is absolutely amazing,” said Capt Moore receiving the award.

“It’s very difficult for me to believe something like this because the Pride of Britain award is a very important one. You are all so very very kind.

“I thank all the people who nominated me for the award. I am very humbled by receiving this magnificent award.

“I’m completely taken aback by this because I know it’s such an important award.”

After completing the challenge on 16 April, Capt Moore reassured the public that “at the end of the day we shall all be ok. The sun will shine on you again and the clouds will go away”.

Captain Moore’s fundraising efforts have not gone unnoticed in Downing Street, where a spokesperson for the prime minister said the government was looking at ways to recognise his achievement.

“From his military contributions to his support for NHS staff, Tom has demonstrated a lifetime of bravery and compassion,” the spokesperson added.

“[He] embodied the spirit of the whole country in doing their bit for the battle against coronavirus”.

Tens of thousands of fans have begun sending Capt Moore birthday cards ahead of the big day next.