Coronavirus: Captain Tom Moore scores UK No1 with NHS charity song You’ll Never Walk Alone

Captain Tom Moore has become a hero raising millions for the UK’s health workers. Now he’s become a rather unlikely pop star too.

British World War II veteran Captain Tom Moore, 99, poses doing a lap of his garden in the village of Marston Moretaine, 50 miles north of London, on April 16, 2020. Picture: Justin Tallis/AFP)

Captain Tom Moore has scored the UK’s No1 single with his cover of You’ll Never Walk Alone.

Yesterday he was close to losing his lead until his closest rival, Canadian superstar The Weeknd, urged his fans to back the war veteran’s song – which is raising money for the National Health Service (NHS) amid the UK’s coronavirus pandemic, The Sun reported.

It’s not even the first time the war veteran has made international news in the last few days.

Just last week, Captain Moore raised $35 million for NHS workers by walking 100 laps of his driveway.

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Captain Moore chose You’ll Never Walk Alone in reference to his 100 laps around his own backyard.

Captain Moore, 99, is now the oldest ever person to land a No 1 song in the official charts.

He recorded the song with musical theatre star Michael Ball and the NHS Care Choir.

It means Captain Moore will celebrate his 100th birthday on Thursday at the same time as having the UK’s most popular single

He said of the achievement: “What wonderful news to receive today, a No 1 single and a record breaker too – my grandchildren can’t believe I am a chart-topper.

“I have to thank Michael Ball, the NHS Voices of Care Choir and everyone behind the scenes, who shared their talents and expertise in order to raise money for the NHS, to whom we owe so much.

“And, of course, the public for buying the single and donating – we’re in this together, and I am forever grateful for your support. This just proves You’ll Never Walk Alone.”

Captain Tom Moore has become an internet sensation.

Mr Ball from the NHS Choir heaped praise on Tom, who lives in Bedfordshire, and said he was an inspiration to the country.

He added: “This is the most extraordinary thing and one of the most proudest moments of my career.

“But it’s not about me, it’s about Captain Tom. Thank you for giving him a No 1 on his 100th birthday. You are the best, God bless you.”

Mr Moore has now raised over £28 million ($AU54 million) for the NHS and has fast become a national treasure.

His cover of You’ll Never Walk Alone sold over 13,000 more copies than The Weeknd’s Blinding Lights whichwas on course for a ninth week on top of the charts.

Captain Tom Moore has won two world records in as many weeks. First, he broke the record for the most money raised by charity walk (individual) and he also broke the record for the oldest person to reach number one in the UK charts. Picture: Emma Sohl/GUINNESS WORLD RECORDS/AFP

Official Charts chief executive Martin Talbot said: “The sight of Captain Tom Moore and Michael Ball at the top of the Official Singles Chart this week should lift everybody’s spirits in these extraordinary times.

“We are absolutely delighted to see them at the pinnacle and setting new landmarks as they go – including a record as the oldest Number 1 Singles artist of all time.

“It has been a roller coaster week, starting with a big initial lead for Capt Tom, before The Weeknd closed the gap yesterday to almost nothing – before a massive surge in the final day by Capt Tom.

“Huge thanks to the Weeknd for lending his support at the eleventh hour. But this is Captain Tom’s week – congratulations sir and happy birthday for next week.

“You are a hero to us all.”

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission.