Hero Captain Tom Moore shares message of hope: We will get through this and come out stronger

He has raised more than £25 million
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The inspirational Captain Tom Moore has shared a poignant message of hope during the coronavirus crisis saying we can "face any challenge together".

The 99-year-old war veteran's incredible fundraiser for the NHS has broken the £25 million milestone.

Captain Moore’s challenge has captured the hearts of the nation, with messages of thanks flooding in daily.

Speaking to the nation, he told the Sunday Mirror: "My message to the nation right now is, tomorrow will be a good day.

"We will get through this and come out of it stronger, more united and ready to face any challenge together."

Asked about his upcoming birthday he added: "I can't quite believe that I am turning 100 - I don't feel it."

Captain Moore was born and raised in Keighley, Yorkshire where he attended Keighley Grammar School and later completed an apprenticeship as a civil engineer.

Tom Moore is a retired British Army Captain
via Reuters

He served with the Duke of Wellington's regiment in India and Burma during the Second World War and was awarded a raft of bravery medals for his efforts.

Captain Moore initially aimed to raise £1,000 and walk 100 lengths of his Bedfordshire garden before turning 100 on April 30.

But more than a million donors have helped the fundraiser reach £25.7 million as of Sunday morning.

Captain Tom Moore married his wife Pamela aged 50
via Reuters

Speaking about the generous donations, Captain Moore said he was "absolutely thrilled" so much had been raised for the NHS.

He said: "They have done incredible things for me and my family, and I am glad that I have been able to give something back to them, especially at this deeply challenging time."

The news comes as the war veteran was chosen as the guest of honour at the opening of a new Nightingale hospital in his native Yorkshire next week.

Captain Tom Moore completes his final lap

He said: “I’m honoured to be opening the NHS Nightingale Yorkshire and Humber and to get to thank many of the NHS workers directly.

“I know that having extra beds available for the sick, if needed will be reassuring to those workers, as it would have been to me when I was on the front line.”

Plans are reportedly underway for a Spitfire flypast to mark the 100th birthday of Captain Moore and the Prime Minister has said he is considering ways to recognise his "heroic efforts"

One petition calling for the veteran to be named in the Queen’s honours list due to be published in June has so far garnered more than 450,000 signatures.

An NHS staff member wipes her eyes as she holds a sign to thank British veteran Captain Tom Moore
AFP via Getty Images

The money raised will go to NHS Charities Together, to help buy food parcels and counselling sessions for NHS staff who are takling the Covid-19 outbreak, as well as electronic tablets to allow patients to talk with their loved ones.

Ian Lush, chairman of NHS Charities Together, said its around 160 members had already received £35,000 each – and the money they get will go towards staff wellbeing and helping patients and their families

He told the BBC: “For example, we’re paying for extra counselling for staff because they’re going through a really traumatic time, we’re paying for food packages, for wellbeing packs they can pick up after a shift and take home so they don’t have to worry about shopping.

You can donate to Captain Moore's fundraiser here.