Coronavirus: Captain Tom Moore promoted, has train named after him

Captain Tom Moore is promoted to colonel and had a train named after him in honour of his fundraising achievements for the NHS.

Captain Tom Moore posing for a photograph with cakes to celebrate his 100th birthday in Marston Moretaine, north of London.

The Queen promoted Captain Tom Moore to colonel on his 100th birthday.

A train has also been named after Captain Tom, as he is now, in honour­ of his fundraising achievements for Britain’s National Health Service during the coronavirus pandemic. The World War II veteran raised more than £29m ($55m) for the NHS by walking laps around his garden ahead of his 100th on Thursday.

The Great Western Railway inter­city express train 800025 will go into service carrying its new name on his birthday.

The Queen has made him an honorary colonel of the Army Foundation College, which prepares teenagers for military careers.

🎉@captaintommoore has been appointed as the first Honorary Colonel of the Army Foundation College Harrogate. Happy birthday Colonel Tom!

"His mature wisdom, no-nonsense attitude and humour in adversity make him an inspirational role model to generations young and old" @ArmyCGS pic.twitter.com/xC6sRICfHB

— Ministry of Defence 🇬🇧 (@DefenceHQ) April 30, 2020

The Queen also wrote a personal letter to Captain Tom.

GWR said the high-speed train was named following requests from the public.

Interim managing director Matthew Golton said: “With his indomitable spirit, what Captain Tom has achieved is truly inspir­ational and an example to us all.’’

Captain Tom, from Marston Moretaine, 80km northwest of London, had hoped to raise £1000 during his challenge for NHS Charities Togethe­r, to thank the health service.

His landmark birthday will also be marked with an RAF flypast by the Battle of Britain Memorial Flight.

The army veteran also became the oldest person to land a No 1 ­single, with his cover of You’ll Never Walk Alone, recorded alongside Michael Ball and the NHS Voices of Care choir.

Mandy Alison adds to the thousands of birthday cards sent to Captain Tom Moore for his 100th birthday in the Hall of Bedford School.