Capt Tom Turned 100 As NHS Fund He Raised Hit £30m RAF Fly n Greeting From The Queen

The appeal by NHS fundraiser Captain Tom Moore topped £31m as he celebrated his 100th birthday. 

The war veteran, who raised the money by walking laps of his garden, has also been made an honorary colonel.

The occasion was also marked with an RAF flypast and birthday greetings from the Queen and prime minister.

With celebrations under way, Capt Tom said everyone who donated was "magnificent" as the fund reached £30m on Thursday morning.

Head of the Army, General Sir Mark Carleton-Smith, called Capt Tom "an inspirational role model".

Capt Tom said it was "extraordinary" to be turning 100, especially with "this many well-wishers".

Capt Tom was spending most of the day self-isolating with his daughter Hannah Ingram-Moore and her family at his home in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire.

"Reaching 100 is quite something. Reaching 100 with such interest in me and huge generosity from the public is very overwhelming," he said.

"People keep saying what I have done is remarkable, however it's actually what you have done for me which is remarkable.

"Please always remember, tomorrow will be a good day."

Capt Tom, who was recently treated for a broken hip and skin cancer, initially aimed to raise £1,000 for NHS Charities Together and said he set about raising the money "for the sake of the nurses and the NHS we have, because they are doing such a magnificent job".

His donations page will close at midnight but Capt Tom said people could still give money directly to the charity via their urgent appeal.

The charity's chief executive Ellie Orton said "what he has achieved will make a lasting difference".

"We cannot thank him enough for all that he's achieved and we wish him a very happy birthday, and look forward to continuing to ensure that what he's done is used to improve the lives of the NHS staff and volunteers that are giving so much to their communities at the moment," she said.

Among the thousands of birthday greetings was a personalised card from the Queen.

"I am so pleased to know that you are celebrating your one hundredth birthday," she wrote.

"I was also most interested to hear of your recent fundraising efforts for NHS Charities Together at this difficult time.

"I send my congratulations and best wishes to you on such a special occasion. Elizabeth R."

Prime Minister Boris Johnson recorded a special message in which he said the veteran was "a point of light in all our lives".

"I know I speak for the whole nation when I say we wish you a very happy 100th birthday," he said.

"Your heroic efforts have lifted the spirits of the entire nation you've created a channel to enable millions to say a heartfelt thank you to the remarkable men and women in our NHS who have all been doing the most outstanding job."

Capt Tom said it was "really outstanding" to get a message from Mr Johnson.

Capt Tom was informed of his promotion to honorary colonel in a letter presented by Lt Col Thomas Miller, commanding officer of the 1st Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment, at his home.

The Army said Chief of the General Staff, Sir Mark, who made the appointment, said Capt Tom's "mature wisdom, no-nonsense attitude and humour in adversity make him an inspirational role model to generations".

Capt Tom said he was "very moved" by the honour because to get that honorary rank in his regiment is "something we would never, ever anticipate".

"I'm still Captain Tom, that's who I really am but if people choose to call me colonel, well, thank you very much."

The centenarian was also presented with a replacement World War Two Defence Medal ahead of next week's VE Day celebrations.