Captain Tom Moore, who turns 100 today, has recently broken not one, but two world records. The former British Army officer took the Guinness World Record title for the most money raised by an individual through a walk, plus he’s officially the oldest person to have a number one single on the UK charts.
The World War II hero became a coronavirus charity walk hero too after setting out to walk 100 laps of his garden (10 per day) by his 100th birthday. This was to raise money for Britain’s NHS Charities Together, which supports the incredible healthcare professionals and volunteers caring for COVID-19 patients. The veteran’s initial goal was to make £1,000, but he has managed to make nearly £30 million, with his 100th Birthday Walk Just Giving fundraiser clearly winning the hearts of Britain as well as the rest of the globe.
And as the current chart topper, the veteran, who lives with his daughter Hannah and her family in Bedfordshire, has another major reason to celebrate with a bang on his milestone birthday. His number one single is a duet with Love Changes Everything singer Michael Ball and features the NHS Voices of Care Choir. The hit version of the Liverpool Football Club anthem You'll Never Walk Alone has become the fastest-selling single of 2020. The song was released just a week before taking the top spot. And all the proceeds from the single will be donated to Moore's 100th Birthday Walk drive.
“What wonderful news to receive today, a number one single and a record breaker too – my grandchildren can't believe I am a chart-topper!
“I have to thank Michael Ball, the NHS Voices of Care Choir and everyone behind the scenes, who shared their talents and expertise in order to raise money for the NHS, to whom we owe so much.
“And, of course, the public for buying the single and donating – we're in this together, and I am forever grateful for your support. And this just proves ‘You'll Never Walk Alone,'” the war hero, who has used a walking frame with wheels since breaking his hip, said after hearing he made it to the top spot.
Moore, who has taken over from Tom Jones as the oldest person to have a UK number one single, managed to reach the top with a little help from The Weeknd. Knowing his Blinding Lights could pipe the cover version of You’ll Never Walk Alone, the Canadian singer asked his 11.8 million Twitter followers to support Moore’s record instead. Other stars like Drake and Dua Lipa were also in the running.
For his 100th birthday, the new silver haired star with a Pride Of Britain Award is being venerated with an RAF flypast for his service to his country. Moore, who has royal fans including Prince William and Kate Middleton, is also set to receive a personalised telegram from the Queen to mark his special day. The Royal Mail is honouring the veteran too, by stamping all letters with a special postmark, while morning show BBC Breakfast is dedicating Thursday’s entire programme to his life and achievements. Happy birthday!
