Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more Stay ahead of the curve with our weekly guide to the latest trends, fashion, relationships and more
Captain Tom Moore has applauded the NHS on its 72nd birthday as a demonstration of his gratitude for the national health service.
Launched in 1948 by then-health minister Aneurin Bevan, the NHS has prided itself on providing free healthcare for those in need in the UK.
Sunday 5 July marked the 72nd anniversary of the healthcare system, a milestone that was celebrated with a nationwide clap at 5pm.
Captain Moore joined in the celebration from the comfort of his home, sharing a video on Twitter of himself clapping while sitting in an armchair.
“Happy 72nd Birthday @NHS Thank you for all that you do for us,” the centenarian wrote.
He also included the hashtag “#TomorrowWillBeAGoodDay”, in reference to the phrase he said upon turning 100 in April.
Captain Moore quickly became a household name when news spread of his fundraiser for NHS Charities Together earlier this year.
The Second World War veteran pledged to walk 100 laps of his garden in the lead-up to his 100th birthday, a challenge that resulting in him raising more than £30m.
After sharing the video of himself clapping for the NHS on Sunday, several Twitter users praised Captain Moore in the comments below.
“Thank you Captain Tom for all the kindness, respect and perseverance you have shown our country. You’re a role model to my 80-year-old father!” one person said.
“Bless you @captaintommoore thank you too for all you have done for this country and the NHS, you are an inspiration!!” another stated.
Shortly before his birthday, it was announced that Captain Moore had been promoted to the title of Honorary Colonel.
Not long after, it was confirmed that the retired army officer was to receive a knighthood following a recommendation from the prime minister.
Captain Tom Moore: NHS fundraiser hits £30m on 100th birthdayShow all 25 1 /25Captain Tom Moore: NHS fundraiser hits £30m on 100th birthday Captain Tom Moore: NHS fundraiser hits £30m on 100th birthday Captain Tom Moore waving at a flypast by Battle of Britain Memorial planes to celebrate his 100th birthday in Marston Moretaine
Capture the Light Photography/AFP via Getty
Captain Tom Moore: NHS fundraiser hits £30m on 100th birthday Soldiers saluting a 14-foot mural painted in honour of Captain Tom Moore on his 100th birthday at Aldergrove Flying Station in Co Antrim, after the war veteran captured the hearts of the nation during the coronavirus crisis by walking 100 laps of his garden, raising over £30 million for NHS charities
MOD/PA
Captain Tom Moore: NHS fundraiser hits £30m on 100th birthday A tribute displayed in London's Piccadilly Circus
Ocean Outdoors/PA
Captain Tom Moore: NHS fundraiser hits £30m on 100th birthday Captain Tom Moore, a former British Army Officer poses with Colonel Thomas Miller with the Yorkshire Regiment Medal after being promoted to Honorary Colonel by Royal assent on his 100th birthday
MOD/AFP via Getty Images
Captain Tom Moore: NHS fundraiser hits £30m on 100th birthday A hall at a school in Bedford which has been transformed with tens of thousands of birthday cards for Colonel Tom Moore
MOD/EPA
Captain Tom Moore: NHS fundraiser hits £30m on 100th birthday Lieutenant Colonel Thomas Miller saluting colonel Tom Moore
MOD/EPA
Captain Tom Moore: NHS fundraiser hits £30m on 100th birthday A man delivers a gift to the home of Captain Tom Moore
PA
Captain Tom Moore: NHS fundraiser hits £30m on 100th birthday Captain Tom Moore poses with the Yorkshire Regiment Medal after being promoted to Honorary Colonel by Royal assent
MOD/AFP via Getty
Captain Tom Moore: NHS fundraiser hits £30m on 100th birthday A cake after it was delivered from the House of York for army veteran Captain Tom Moore
Reuters
Captain Tom Moore: NHS fundraiser hits £30m on 100th birthday A Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast of a Spitfire and a Hurricane passes over the home of Second World War veteran Captain Tom Moore
PA
Captain Tom Moore: NHS fundraiser hits £30m on 100th birthday Colonel Tom Moore and his daughter Hannah celebrate his 100th birthday, with an RAF flypast
Capture the Light Photography/Getty
Captain Tom Moore: NHS fundraiser hits £30m on 100th birthday RAF planes fly past
Reuters
Captain Tom Moore: NHS fundraiser hits £30m on 100th birthday Locals come out to applaud a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast
PA
Captain Tom Moore: NHS fundraiser hits £30m on 100th birthday A letter released by Second World War veteran Captain Tom Moore and dictated to his grandson as he celebrates his 100th birthday
Tom Moore/Carver PR/PA
Captain Tom Moore: NHS fundraiser hits £30m on 100th birthday Captain Tom Moore celebrating his 100th birthday by carrying the 2012 Olympic torch, as he completes a lap of his garden. The torch - sent to him from Virgin Radio presenter Chris Evans - is believed to be the only one in existence that can still be lit
Capture The Light Photography/PA
Captain Tom Moore: NHS fundraiser hits £30m on 100th birthday People applaud for army veteran Captain Tom Moore on his 100th birthday
Reuters
Captain Tom Moore: NHS fundraiser hits £30m on 100th birthday Captain Tom Moore attempting to blow-out the 2012 Olympic torch
Capture The Light Photography/PA
Captain Tom Moore: NHS fundraiser hits £30m on 100th birthday A postal worker walks past a happy birthday message
Reuters
Captain Tom Moore: NHS fundraiser hits £30m on 100th birthday Benjie Ingram-Moore presenting his grandfather Captain Tom Moore with a photograph of the Great Hall of Bedford School, Bedfordshire, filled with cards for his 100th birthday
Bedford School/PA
Captain Tom Moore: NHS fundraiser hits £30m on 100th birthday Hannah Ingram-Moore (centre) the daughter of Second World War veteran Captain Tom Moore and his grandchildren Benjie and Georgia Ingram-Moore greet people outside his home in Bedford following a Battle of Britain Memorial Flight flypast
PA
Captain Tom Moore: NHS fundraiser hits £30m on 100th birthday A truck displays a message of thanks to the NHS and army veteran Captain Tom Moore
Reuters
Captain Tom Moore: NHS fundraiser hits £30m on 100th birthday Marston Moretaine
Reuters
Captain Tom Moore: NHS fundraiser hits £30m on 100th birthday The Yorkshire Regiment Medal that was presented to Captain Tom Moore as he was made an Honorary Colonel
Cpl Robert Weidemane/MoD/Crown Copyright/PA
Captain Tom Moore: NHS fundraiser hits £30m on 100th birthday A lady posts letters in a royal mail post box painted blue in support of NHS and to celebrate the 100th birthday of army veteran Captain Tom Moore
Reuters
Captain Tom Moore: NHS fundraiser hits £30m on 100th birthday A customised balloon of Captain Tom Moore being delivered to his home
PA
Captain Moore later said he was “delighted “ to be receiving a knighthood for his fundraising efforts.
Speaking on BBC Breakfast , he joked: “I hope [the Queen is] not very heavy-handed with the sword as by then I might be rather a poor old weak soul.”
The veteran is to release two books in support of The Captain Tom Foundation , one of which is an autobiography.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies