Captain Tom Moore’s 100th birthday ‘to be marked with Spitfire salute’ after veteran raises more than £23m for NHS

‘It will be a bit of a morale-booster for us all’

A Spitfire salute is reportedly being prepared to commemorate the 100th birthday of Captain Tom Moore, who has raised more than £23m for NHS Charities Together.

The Second World War veteran recently pledged to walk 100 laps of his garden in the lead-up to his 100th birthday at the end of the month in order to raise money for the NHS.

The 99-year-old initially set a target of raising £1,000 in support of healthcare workers.

However, as news of Captain Moore’s campaign spread, this target was steadily raised until it reached £500,000, an aim that has long since been surpassed.

On Thursday 16 April, the veteran completed the 100th lap of his garden, vowing to continue with his “birthday walk” as donations continue to flood his JustGiving page.

Captain Moore has received messages of appreciation from numerous people, including the prime minister and members of the royal family.

He may also have a Spitfire salute to look forward to on his upcoming birthday.

A team of aircraft restorers from the Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar in south-east London is reportedly hoping to organise a Second World War-era flypast to mark his milestone birthday.

A member of the team, 21-year-old Alex Monk, explained the motivation behind organising the flypast in homage to Captain Moore and the money he has raised for NHS Charities Together.

“It will be a bit of a morale-booster for us all, really, to see a Spitfire in the sky,” Mr Monk told The Telegraph.

“It’s been the symbol of freedom in the past and quite an icon for Tom.”

He added: “Tom, more than anyone, knows what a Spitfire means, and to hear and see a Spitfire in the air for himself will be a nice experience for him.”

The news comes after it was confirmed that Boris Johnson is looking at ways for Captain Moore’s “heroic efforts” to be recognised.

“From his military contributions to his support for NHS staff, Tom has demonstrated a lifetime of bravery and compassion,” said a Downing Street spokesperson.

“The prime minister will certainly be looking at ways to recognise Tom’s heroic efforts.”

On Saturday 18 April, Captain Moore expressed his gratitude after photographs of him and a congratulatory message were shown on the large screens at Piccadilly Circus.

A message on one of the screens said: “Congratulations Captain Tom Moore. A National Treasure. A National Hero.”

“Wow — Piccadilly Circus today!” the veteran tweeted in response to the images.