Coronavirus: Anthony Joshua praises ‘phenomenal human being’ Captain Tom Moore

Army veteran raised more than £12m for NHS Charities Together

Heavyweight champion Anthony Joshua has paid tribute to “phenomenal human being” Captain Tom Moore.

The 99-year-old army veteran, who served in India and Burman, completed the 100th lap of his garden yesterday and raised more than £12m for NHS Charities Together.

Captain Moore had set out to walk 10 laps of his garden every day until he reached 100, prior to his 100th birthday at the end of the month.

In a video message posted on Twitter, IBF, WBA and WBO world champion Joshua said: “Captain Tom, I hope you’re well. I just wanted to say hi, I see what you’ve done and what you’re willing to put yourself through.

“You are a phenomenal human being, what you’ve managed to do shows how great humans are, how great you are as a human, and I just wanted to show my support to you by sending you this video and say we all acknowledge your hard work. God bless you my friend.

“After completing his 100th lap, Captain Moore told BBC Breakfast: “At the end of the day we shall all be ok.

“The sun will shine on you again and the clouds will go away.”

Captain Moore’s efforts have inspired support across the country, with Health Secretary Matt Hancock offering praise during the government’s daily press conference.

“I want to pay a special tribute today to Captain Tom Moore,” Mr Hancock said. “Captain Tom, you’re an inspiration to us all, and we thank you.”