Captain Tom Moore honoured with Freedom of the City of London award during capital’s first ‘virtual’ ceremony

‘It’s been a great honour for me,’ 100-year-old veteran says

Captain Tom Moore has received the Freedom of the City of London during the first “virtual” ceremony held for the award in the capital.

The Freedom of the City of London is an award that is given to individuals who have achieved success or high levels of recognition in various fields.

The ceremony is believed to have first taken place in 1237, continuing over the course of almost eight centuries.

Captain Moore, a Second World War veteran, recently raised almost £33m for NHS Charities Together by taking part in a charity walk in the lead-up to his 100th birthday.

In honour of his achievement, the 100-year-old received the Freedom of the City of London accolade on Tuesday 12 May.

The ceremony, which took place via video-link, was streamed live on YouTube.

Captain Moore was nominated for the award by William Russell, the Lord Mayor of the City of London, and Catherine McGuinness, policy chair at the City of London Corporation.

During the virtual ceremony, the veteran sat beside his daughter, Hannah Ingram-Moore, at his home in Marston Moretaine in Bedfordshire.

After reading the declaration of a freeman aloud, Captain Moore was asked to give a “wave of the pen” to symbolise his signing of the document.

While speaking during the ceremony, the Lord Mayor said: “Not only did Captain Tom raise money in his mission, he also raised the spirits of people across the country.

“He showed us all the importance of community spirit and brought people together during this difficult time.”

Captain Moore thanked the Lord Mayor for his “very kind remarks”, stating: “It’s an honour to speak to you.”

The centenarian added: “Thank you all very much. It’s been a great honour for me, thank you all very, very much, thank you.”

Dr Peter Kane, the Chamberlain of London, said Captain Tom had “done something quite extraordinary and by doing so he has stolen the hearts of millions of people in this country”.

When he is able to visit the City of London in person, Captain Tom will be presented with a framed certificate.