Author: Suleiman Obeidat, Year 12
As of May 30th, the WHO has reported 271,226 cases and 38,161 deaths in the United Kingdom, making the country’s death toll the highest in Europe. The UK’s aging population poses a great risk to losing control of the mortality rate and the National Health Service (NHS) is constantly under pressure with the need to protect both patients and staff who are gradually running short of Personal Protective Equipment (PPE). However, despite this period of adversity threatening public health, one man has been able to be a beacon of light and hope for people all over the world. Captain Thomas Moore, a British war veteran, was able to raise over £32 million for the NHS through NHS Charities Together by completing 100 laps of his garden building up to his 100th birthday.
Who is Captain Tom?
Thomas Moore is a war veteran that served in India, the Burma Campaign and Sumatra during the Second World War and later became an instructor at the Armoured Fighting Vehicle School at Bovington Camp in Dorset, England. Moore was awarded four medals for his services, the 1939-1945 star, the Burma star, the Defence Medal, and the War Medal 1939-1945, all of which he still proudly wears to this day.
The Journey
Moore’s fundraising journey began on April 9th with a goal of raising a humble £1000 by completing 100 laps of his 25-meter garden before his 100th birthday which was on April 30th. Amazingly, that goal was shattered in less than 24 hours after launching the donation page on the fundraising website justgiving.com. With a heart of gold and a soldier’s determination that amount exponentially increased to £100,000 followed by £250,000 after appearing on BBC Radio 2 with famous British actor and singer Michael Ball and then over £1,000,000 on April 14, less than a week from when the donation page was launched. On April 16th Moore completed his 100th lap with a Guard of Honour by his side and a wave of cheers from health care workers having raised over £12m. However the journey didn’t end there, Moore continued his goal and wanted to raise the largest possible amount to the NHS before his birthday. During that time, aged 99, he became the oldest person to ever score a number one single in the UK charts with his rendition of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” by Gerry & The Pacemakers featuring Michael Ball and NHS Voices of Care Choir with all the profits going to the fundraiser. It was a heart-warming moment of everyone coming together to celebrate the achievements of one determined man and Moore described the experience as “truly amazing”.
Capt Tom’s Birthday
Moore’s birthday was similar to that of a national celebration. He received a Royal Air Force flypast, paying homage to his time in service, and over 140,000 birthday cards from people across the UK and beyond. Most notable was a personalised letter from her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. "I am so pleased to know that you are celebrating your one hundredth birthday," she wrote. “I was also most interested to hear of your recent fundraising efforts for NHS Charities Together at this difficult time. I send my congratulations and best wishes to you on such a special occasion. Elizabeth R,”. He also received a special message from British Prime Minister Boris Johnson who described Moore as “a point of light in all our lives”. Moore was also promoted to honorary colonel in a letter presented by Lt Col Thomas Miller, commanding officer of the 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment. Nevertheless, through all the fame and popularity, Capt Tom remained humble, feeling "very moved" by the honour and saying "People keep saying what I have done is remarkable, however it's actually what you have done for me which is remarkable.” By midnight UK time on April 30th, Moore and his incredible 100 laps had raised over £32m for the NHS from over 1,500,000 supporters. To seal the pages of this beautiful story, Capt Tom was knighted on May 20th for his work in charity. "I am certainly delighted and overawed by the fact this has happened to me," he said. He had truly become a national hero and as PM Johnson describes it: “a beacon of hope in the fog that is the coronavirus”.
How Will the Donations be Spent?
Capt Tom himself said he set about raising the money "for the sake of the nurses and the NHS we have, because they are doing such a magnificent job". The funds donated to NHS Charities Together are distributed between numerous charities at the local level to support the health care sector in those regions. Donations may be used to help set up wellbeing spaces in hospitals such as “wobble rooms” which areas where staff have a safe space to release emotions after a traumatic experience, such as losing a patient. The money has also helped fund the purchase of electronic tablets which allow inpatients who are in isolation in hospital to have contact with their friends and family, and “wellbeing packs” which include everyday necessities for the NHS staff. Ian Lush, Chief Executive of Imperial Health Charity, said: "It's extraordinary to see the amount of money and the outpouring of goodwill towards the NHS and towards all the NHS charities, who will take good care with the money that he [Capt Tom] is raising.". Moreover, regarding any concern over JustGiving’s share of the donations, the website removed its 5% mandatory platform fee from donations, replacing it instead with a voluntary contribution model where donors are given a choice of contributing to the website and a spokeswoman stated that 97% of the total amount raised will go to NHS Charities Together.
Lessons Learned
In conclusion, Capt Tom’s story demonstrates the power of a good heart and a determined mind. He exemplifies the values that form the foundation of the NHS and is a true hero that highlights what humanity can accomplish when working together for a common purpose. He has truly been a beacon of hope for those suffering across the world during this pandemic and never fails to remind us that we should always remember: “tomorrow will be a good day” – Captain Thomas Moore.
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