Who isn't a big fan of the absolutely incredible Captain Tom Moore, the war veteran who has raised over £18million for NHS charities by walking 100 laps of his back garden? The royals certainly are, as Prince William, the Duchess of Cornwall and Princess Eugenie have all praised the 99-year-old's inspirational work. Prince William even donated an undisclosed amount to Tom's efforts, which are expected to reach over £20million. And now a petition calling for the World War II veteran to be knighted has reached almost half a million signatures – just hours after Tom finished his fundraising garden walk. The petition calls for him to be recognised in the Queen's Birthday Honours List in June.
Captain Tom Moore has became the nation's hero
Sonia Wilson, an NHS midwife, started the petition on Change.org as a way of thanking Tom for giving her and her colleagues a boost. "This amazing motivational hero deserves to be awarded a knighthood," she wrote. "As a NHS midwife, I know how much his fundraising and support means on the ground. And how much it means to staff during this awful pandemic. He deserves to be knighted."
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Nearly 500,000 people have signed the petition, prompting a response from Prime Minister Boris Johnson who is "looking for ways to recognise Tom and his heroic efforts.". Captain Tom took up the challenge to thank the NHS for their "marvellous" work in helping him recover from both a hip replacement and skin cancer over the last few years. He originally set a fundraising target of £1,000, hoping to reach it by his 100th birthday on April 30.
Captain Tom Moore in uniform during the Second World War
How to donate to Captain Tom Moore
Captain Tom, from Yorkshire, completed the challenge on April 16, but has vowed to keep on walking until the money stops coming in. His daughter Hannah set up a JustGiving.com fundraising page, where you can donate.
How to sign the petition for Captain Tom Moore's knighthood
Sonia Wilson's petition for Captain Tom to be knighted can be found on Change.org