Captain Tom to receive personalised telegram from Queen and RAF flypast for 100th birthday
CAPTAIN Tom Moore will be honoured with an RAF flypast, as well as receiving a personalised telegram from the Queen to mark his 100th birthday.
Producers at BBC Breakfast — who were among the first to back the veteran’s efforts — have lined up a raft of celebrations to mark the war hero’s big day on Thursday, after working closely with Buckingham Palace chiefs.
⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates
Tom, who has raised more than £28million for the NHS and currently holds the UK No1 single, will have the entire programme dedicated to his life and achievements.
A TV insider said: “The BBC have been championing Tom since day one and now they want to go all out to celebrate his special day.
“The team on Breakfast have been working with the palace on organising the telegram in time for the morning broadcast which they hope will come with a special message from Her Majesty.
'THE MOST INCREDIBLE FEAT'
“They have also been working hard on organising a fly past which will honour Tom’s service to the country throughout his life.
“It’s going to be a really emotional day and they want to make it as memorable as possible for Tom by way of thanks for all he has done.
“They’re lining up lots of surprises for him too. What Tom has achieved is the most incredible feat and the whole show will be dedicated to Tom and his special day.”
Give now to The Sun's NHS appeal
BRITAIN’s four million NHS staff are on the frontline in the battle against coronavirus.
But while they are helping save lives, who is there to help them?
The Sun has launched an appeal to raise £1MILLION for NHS workers. The Who Cares Wins Appeal aims to get vital support to staff in their hour of need.
We have teamed up with NHS Charities Together in their urgent Covid-19 Appeal to ensure the money gets to exactly who needs it.
The Sun is donating £50,000 and we would like YOU to help us raise a million pounds, to help THEM. No matter how little you can spare, please donate today here: .
Richard Frediani, editor of BBC Breakfast, said plans were still be confirmed but added: “Having followed Captain Tom’s incredible story from the start the UK’s most watched morning show will make sure the nation can safely come together to celebrate Captain Tom’s 100th birthday on Thursday morning on BBC Breakfast.”
Appearing on BBC Radio 2 today, Tom said of his birthday: “I am hoping we shall have a little family party, we can’t have a big one.
“We can’t all stand close together so maybe we will have a good party afterwards when we can all come. I might have a little drink.”
Since he started walking laps of his garden at the start of the month, yesterday Tom was just £60,000 short of raising £29million.
CORONAVIRUS CRISIS - STAY IN THE KNOW
Don't miss the latest news and figures - and essential advice for you and your family.
To receive The Sun's Coronavirus newsletter in your inbox every tea time, .
To follow us on Facebook, simply .
Get Britain's best-selling newspaper delivered to your smartphone or tablet each day - .
MOST READ IN UK NEWS
The ex-serviceman, who lives in Bedfordshire, will be celebrating his birthday in the same week as holding the UK No1 with his cover of You’ll Never walk Alone.
Tom recorded the song with Michael Ball and the NHS Care Choir.
He is also being lined up for a CBE in the bi-annual honours list for his fundraising efforts.
Join our George Cross campaign for NHS staff
We are urging Sun readers to sign a petition calling for our NHS staff to be awarded the George Cross.
We are backing a proposal by Lord Ashcroft to honour our health heroes with the gallantry gong given for acts of bravery that did not take place in battle.
A No10 spokesman said: “The NHS is doing a fantastic job and the nation will want to find a way to say thank you when we have defeated this virus.” SAS hero Andy McNab added: “The award of a George Cross would show an emotional appreciation.”
We are asking our readers to please sign the petition below.
- GOT a story? RING The Sun on 0207 782 4104 or WHATSAPP on 07423720250 or EMAIL [email protected]