# Tom Moore > British Army officer and fundraiser (1920–2021) **Wikidata**: [Q90561312](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q90561312) **Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Captain_Tom_Moore) **Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/tom-moore ## Summary Tom Moore was a British Army officer and fundraiser who gained worldwide recognition in 2020 for walking 100 laps around his garden to raise funds for the National Health Service during the COVID-19 pandemic, ultimately raising over £32 million. A veteran of World War II who served in the Burma Campaign, Moore became a symbol of hope and resilience, receiving a knighthood for his contributions. He passed away on February 2, 2021, at age 100. ## Biography - **Born**: April 30, 1920 - **Died**: February 2, 2021 (aged 100) - **Nationality**: British (United Kingdom) - **Education**: Details not fully specified in source material; educated at Q15263205 - **Known for**: Walking 100 laps of his garden to raise funds for NHS COVID-19 relief during the pandemic - **Employer(s)**: Not fully specified in source material - **Field(s)**: Military service, fundraising, philanthropy ### Military Service - Served as a soldier and tankman in the British Army - Participated in the Burma Campaign 1944–1945 during World War II - Fought in the Battle of Ramree Island in 1945 - Held rank as military officer ### Awards and Recognition - 1939–45 Star (military campaign medal instituted July 8, 1943) - Burma Star (military campaign medal for Burma Campaign service) - War Medal 1939–1945 - Defence Medal - Point of Light (award conferred by the UK Prime Minister, instituted April 2014) - Knight Bachelor (title granted by the British monarch) - BBC Sports Personality of the Year Helen Rollason Award ### Personal Identifiers - **Aliases**: Thomas Moore, Captain Tom Moore, Colonel Tom, Tommy Moore, Captain Tom, Sir Tom Moore - **Website**: https://captaintom.org/ - **Twitter**: @captaintommoore - **YouTube**: UC4V2b25sB9jf33aQlKCO8cQ ## Contributions ### NHS Fundraising Campaign (2020) During the COVID-19 pandemic, Tom Moore undertook a fundraising challenge to walk 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday. What began as a modest goal to raise £1,000 for the National Health Service transformed into a global phenomenon, ultimately raising over £32 million (approximately $40 million at the time). His fundraising campaign captured the hearts of people worldwide and became a symbol of collective resilience during the pandemic. ### Military Service Moore served in the British Army during World War II, specifically as a tankman operating in the Burma Campaign from 1944 to 1945. He participated in the Battle of Ramree Island in January 1945, one of the most famous battles of the Burma Campaign. His military service spanned the conflict years of 1939–1945. ## FAQs **What did Tom Moore do to become famous?** Tom Moore became famous in 2020 for walking 100 laps around his garden to raise money for the UK's National Health Service during the COVID-19 pandemic. His fundraising effort raised over £32 million, making him one of the most successful individual fundraisers in British history. **What was Tom Moore's military background?** Tom Moore served as a British Army officer and tankman during World War II. He participated in the Burma Campaign from 1944 to 1945 and fought in the Battle of Ramree Island in 1945, earning several military campaign medals including the 1939–45 Star, Burma Star, War Medal 1939–1945, and Defence Medal. **What honors did Tom Moore receive?** Tom Moore received numerous honors including the Knight Bachelor title (knighthood), the Point of Light award conferred by the UK Prime Minister, and the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Helen Rollason Award. He was also awarded military campaign medals for his World War II service. **When was Tom Moore born and when did he die?** Tom Moore was born on April 30, 1920, and died on February 2, 2021, at the age of 100. **What was Tom Moore's connection to social media?** Tom Moore maintained an active online presence with a verified Twitter account (@captaintommoore) and a YouTube channel (UC4V2b25sB9jf33aQlKCO8cQ). His fundraising campaign went viral on social media, helping to spread his message globally. ## Why They Matter Tom Moore became an emblem of hope and unity during one of the most challenging periods in modern British history. His simple act of walking laps around his garden transformed into a nationwide movement that united people across the United Kingdom and beyond in support of the National Health Service. At a time when the COVID-19 pandemic had created widespread fear and uncertainty, Moore's determination and optimism provided a source of comfort and inspiration. His fundraising achievement demonstrated the power of individual action to create meaningful change. The £32 million raised for NHS charities represented one of the largest single fundraising efforts in British history and directly supported healthcare workers and patients affected by the pandemic. Beyond his fundraising, Moore's military service and wartime experiences added depth to his character. Having served his country during World War II and participated in the Burma Campaign, he represented a generation of Britons who had endured significant hardship and sacrifice. His subsequent recognition with a knighthood reflected the nation's gratitude for his dual contributions—both as a veteran who served his country in war and as a citizen who rallied the nation in a time of crisis. Moore's impact extended beyond financial contributions. He became a cultural icon whose message of perseverance and positivity resonated across generations. His ability to connect with people of all ages and backgrounds during the pandemic demonstrated the universal appeal of his simple yet powerful message: that ordinary people can accomplish extraordinary things through determination and community spirit. ## Notable For - Raising over £32 million for NHS COVID-19 relief in 2020 - Walking 100 laps of his garden before his 100th birthday - Becoming the oldest person to top the UK music charts with "You'll Never Walk Alone" at age 99 - Receiving a Knight Bachelor honor for services to charities - Being appointed as a Point of Light by the UK Prime Minister - Serving as a tankman in the Burma Campaign during World War II - Participating in the Battle of Ramree Island in 1945 - Receiving the 1939–45 Star, Burma Star, War Medal 1939–1945, and Defence Medal for military service - Maintaining a significant social media presence with over 1 million Twitter followers ## Body ### Early Life and Military Background Tom Moore was born on April 30, 1920, in the United Kingdom. Following his education, he joined the British Army and served as a military officer. During World War II, Moore specifically served as a tankman—a member of a tank crew—participating in some of the most demanding campaigns of the war. His military service centered on the Burma Campaign of 1944–1945, a crucial aspect of the South-East Asian Theatre of World War II. Moore fought in the Battle of Ramree Island in January 1945, an engagement that saw British and Indian troops battle Japanese forces on the island of Ramree off the coast of Burma. The battle resulted in a significant Allied victory and is notable as one of the most famous engagements of the Burma Campaign. For his wartime service, Moore was awarded several military campaign medals: the 1939–45 Star (instituted in July 1943 for service in the Second World War), the Burma Star (for service in the Burma Campaign, instituted in 1945), the War Medal 1939–1945 (instituted in August 1945), and the Defence Medal (for WWII service). These honors recognized his contribution to the Allied victory in one of the most challenging theaters of World War II. ### Post-War Life and Career Following the war, Moore transitioned to civilian life. His career path included work as a general manager and manager, overseeing business operations in various capacities. He also engaged in entrepreneurship, applying his leadership skills to business enterprises. Moore's diverse professional background encompassed multiple roles including entrepreneur, business manager, and military veteran. ### The 2020 Fundraising Campaign In April 2020, as the United Kingdom faced the COVID-19 pandemic, Moore undertook a fundraising challenge that would capture global attention. Having recently recovered from cancer and using a walking frame, Moore set out to walk 100 laps of his garden at his home in Bedfordshire before his 100th birthday on April 30, 2020. His initial goal was to raise £1,000 for the National Health Service. The fundraising campaign quickly went viral, with Moore's story spreading across social media and traditional news outlets. People from around the world were inspired by his determination and his message of hope during a time of widespread fear and uncertainty. The campaign exceeded all expectations, ultimately raising over £32 million (approximately $40 million at the time), making it one of the largest individual fundraising efforts in British history. Moore's fundraising effort was particularly significant because it came at a time when the National Health Service was under immense pressure from the pandemic. The funds raised supported NHS staff, volunteers, and patients affected by COVID-19, providing crucial resources for those on the front lines of the crisis. ### Media Presence and Public Recognition Moore's campaign gained significant traction on social media platforms. His Twitter account (@captaintommoore) attracted hundreds of thousands of followers who followed his daily progress. His YouTube channel featured updates about his walking challenge and messages of gratitude to supporters. The viral nature of his campaign demonstrated the power of social media to amplify individual efforts and create meaningful change. His story resonated not just in the United Kingdom but globally. News outlets around the world covered his fundraising effort, and international audiences contributed to his campaign. Moore became a symbol of hope, demonstrating that even in the darkest times, individual actions could make a significant difference. ### Honors and Awards In recognition of his fundraising efforts and his service to the nation, Tom Moore received numerous honors. He was awarded the Knight Bachelor title, one of the most prestigious honors in the British honors system, conferred by the British monarch. This title recognized his contributions to charity and his efforts to support the National Health Service during the pandemic. Moore was also appointed as a Point of Light by the UK Prime Minister, an award instituted in 2014 to recognize outstanding individual volunteers who are making a change in their community. Additionally, he received the BBC Sports Personality of the Year Helen Rollason Award, which recognizes sport personalities who have shown achievement in the face of adversity or have made a significant contribution to sport. ### Later Life and Legacy Tom Moore passed away on February 2, 2021, at the age of 100, after being hospitalized with COVID-19. His death was met with an outpouring of grief and tributes from around the world. Flags were lowered to half-mast, and public figures paid tribute to his contributions both during World War II and in his later fundraising efforts. Moore's legacy extends beyond the funds he raised. He became a symbol of resilience, hope, and the power of individual action. His fundraising campaign demonstrated that ordinary people could accomplish extraordinary things, and his positive attitude in the face of adversity inspired millions. His story continues to serve as an example of how communities can come together in times of crisis to support one another. The impact of his fundraising continues through the NHS charities that received the funds, which have used the money to support healthcare workers, volunteers, and patients affected by the pandemic. Moore's efforts helped to highlight the importance of the National Health Service and the dedication of its staff, contributing to broader public appreciation of the healthcare system. ### Personal Characteristics and Identity Tom Moore was known by several names and aliases, including Thomas Moore, Captain Tom Moore, Colonel Tom, Tommy Moore, Captain Tom, and Sir Tom Moore. The title "Captain Tom" became particularly associated with him during his fundraising campaign, reflecting both his military rank and his status as a national figure. His website, https://captaintom.org/, served as a hub for information about his fundraising efforts and provided a way for supporters to contribute to his cause. The site became a destination for millions of people seeking to learn more about his campaign and to show their support. ## References 1. [War veteran, 99, raises £9m for NHS by walking lengths of back garden. 2020](https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/apr/14/war-veteran-99-raises-2m-for-nhs-by-walking-lengths-of-back-garden) 2. [Covid-19: Captain Sir Tom Moore dies with coronavirus. BBC News. 2021](https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-55881753) 3. [Source](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-52290976) 4. Czech National Authority Database 5. [Captain Sir Tom Moore, centenarian war veteran who won nation’s hearts with fundraising – obituary. The Daily Telegraph. 2021](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/obituaries/captain-sir-tom-moore-obituary/) 6. [Tribute to Colonel Tom Moore](http://www.oakbank.org.uk/tribute-to-colonel-tom-moore/) 7. [Source](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-52732300) 8. [War veteran, 99, raises $6 million by walking laps of his garden. CNN. 2020](https://www.cnn.com/2020/04/14/world/war-veteran-raises-millions-garden-scli-intl-gbr/index.html) 9. [War veteran Captain Tom Moore, 99, hits £14 million for NHS as Matt Hancock calls him an ‘inspiration’. Evening Standard. 2020](https://www.standard.co.uk/news/uk/war-veteran-tom-moore-matt-hancock-9-million-nhs-a4415496.html) 10. [Captain Tom Moore appointed Honorary Colonel to inspire next generation of soldiers. 2020](https://www.army.mod.uk/news-and-events/news/2020/04/tom-moore-birthday/) 11. [Special Recognition](https://www.prideofbritain.com/winners/2020-winners/special-recognition/) 12. [Captain Tom Moore receives gold Blue Peter badge. BBC News. 2020](https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-52550309) 13. [Captain Sir Tom Moore wins Helen Rollason Award at Sports Personality of the Year 2020. 2020](https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/sports-personality/55330723) 14. [Source](https://www.theguardian.com/society/2020/apr/14/war-veteran-99-raises-2m-for-nhs-by-walking-lengths-of-back-garden) 15. [Source](https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-52472132) 16. [Source](https://www.express.co.uk/news/uk/1276349/Captain-Tom-Moore-100-birthday-NHS-fundraiser-32-million) 17. [Source](https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-52278746) 18. [Covid-19: Captain Sir Tom Moore dies with coronavirus. British Broadcasting Corporation. 2021](https://www.bbc.com/news/uk-england-beds-bucks-herts-55881753) 19. [Source](https://books.google.co.uk/books?id=9kt-AwAAQBAJ&pg=PA132) 20. [Source](https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2020/04/14/second-world-war-veteran-raises-2-million-nhs/) 21. [Source](https://metro.co.uk/2020/04/16/tom-moore-story-behind-14000000-nhs-legend-12565964/) 22. The London Gazette 35218 23. Virtual International Authority File 24. [Tom Moore. 2021](https://twitter.com/captaintommoore/status/1355924707816726532) 25. [Source](https://www.yorkpress.co.uk/news/18414595.captain-tom-moore-made-honorary-colonel-100th-birthday/) 26. BBC Things 27. [Source](https://www.mirror.co.uk/news/uk-news/captain-tom-moore-given-up-21876074) 28. YouTube API 29. [ITV News : The Latest Captain Tom Moore News](https://www.itv.com/news/topic/captain-tom-moore)