‘Arise Sir Tom’ – Colonel Tom Moore to receive a knighthood from the Queen after raising more than £33 million for the NHS

Downing Street has announced that second World War veteran and NHS fundraiser Colonel Tom Moore is to be knighted by the Queen.

The 100-year-old received world attention as he raised almost £33 million for health service charities by walking laps of his Bedfordshire garden.

Prime Minister Boris Johnson described Sir Tom as a “true national treasure” and praised his “fantastic fundraising” which he said, “provided us all with a beacon of light through the fog of coronavirus.” Mr Johnson recommends Colonel Tom be exceptionally honoured by the Queen, who has approved the honour, Number 10 said.

His knighthood comes just weeks after he was made an honorary colonel to mark his centenary and fundraising efforts.

Colonel Tom was left flabbergasted by his knighthood, which he only learned about on Monday afternoon. He described himself as “absolutely overwhelmed” by it.

I’d like to thank Her Majesty the Queen, the Prime Minister and the Great British public. I will remain at your service.

Colonel Tom Moore

#Royal #CaptainTomMoore #Knighthood #OurHero