The second world war veteran Capt Tom Moore, who has raised £30m for the NHS, has said he is overwhelmed and grateful for the outpouring of support from the public on his 100th birthday.

Moore, who was appointed an honorary colonel to mark his 100th birthday on Thursday, received more than 125,000 cards, as well as a personalised message from the Queen. He will be celebrating the day with his family, both in person and remotely.

“Reaching 100 is quite something. Reaching 100 with such interest in me and huge generosity from the public is very overwhelming,” Moore said. “People keep saying what I have done is remarkable. However it’s actually what you have done for me which is remarkable.”

Moore was first thrust into the spotlight following a pledge to walk the length of his 25 metre garden 100 times before his birthday to raise money for NHS charities. The centenarian originally set out to raise £1,000, but donations wildly exceeded that. He completed his efforts in the middle of the month, surrounded by a guard of honour.

The veteran said he had felt frustrated and disappointed after he broke his hip, but the past three weeks had put a spring back in his step. “I have renewed purpose and have thoroughly enjoyed every second of this exciting adventure, but I can’t keep walking for ever.”

Moore will become the figurehead for the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, which trains 16 and 17-year-olds, while two helicopters will fly over Moore’s home in Bedfordshire in the afternoon.

Play Video 0:59 Capt Tom Moore, 99, completes garden walk NHS fundraiser with guard of honour – video

Moore’s donations page will close at midnight on Thursday evening after raising £30m for the NHS. He said people could still donate to NHS Charities Together’s urgent appeal.

The veteran had also recorded a cover of You’ll Never Walk Alone with Michael Ball, which went straight to No 1, making him the oldest artist to have a chart-topping record in the UK.

Moore said he will be focusing on resting after his birthday celebrations. “My legs may be tired, but my mind is racing and I’m hoping to be back very soon with other ways in which I can help people, help others.”



Hannah Ingram-Moore, his daughter, said: “I want to look the great British and overseas public in the eye. I sincerely want you to know that for all the joy, hope and inspiration my father has given you; you have re-energised him and given him renewed purpose. Watching him talking and engaging with all of you, has been one of the most joyous things in my life. I cannot thank you enough.”