Captain’s charity

Yorkshire pride for Tom Moore

CAPTAIN TOM Moore’s incredible fundraising efforts have raised national morale during a time of uncertainty and crisis, capturing the spirit of togetherness and generosity that has warmed many a heart during this global pandemic. And the Second World War veteran’s steadfast goodwill shows no sign of falter, as he plans to launch a new charitable foundation to support hospices, help people facing bereavement and help combat loneliness, an issue on which this newspaper has campaigned tirelessly.

As is to be set out in his autobiography, one of two books to be published later this year to support the Captain Tom Foundation, the 100-year-old has had an extraordinary life which has seen him race motorbikes competitively and take off for the Himalayas and Everest in his nineties. But perhaps never more so has that been the case than in these past few weeks when he has broken two records, becoming the oldest person to get a number one single in the UK charts and raising the most money ever from an individual charity walk after generating nearly £33 million for the NHS doing 100 laps of his garden.

With his ‘keep on going’ attitude, the humble national treasure has certainly had a busy few weeks. But when Jeremy Vine suggested he must feel tired as he was presented with a special cartoon portrait from The Yorkshire Post for his 100th birthday last month, Captain Tom said: “I’m a Yorkshireman, you don’t get exhausted by things like that.”

Well Sir, your home county is in awe of your unwavering resolve to make a difference. Thank you for your continued efforts - a true inspiration who has done Yorkshire proud.