Jump directly to the content

BRITISH hero Captain Tom Moore has received 120,000 birthday cards as he prepares to celebrate turning 100.

But the World War Two veteran has turned down all offers of gifts - and instead asks well-wishers to give to those suffering with coronavirus.

⚠️ Read our coronavirus live blog for the latest news & updates

More than 100,000 people have sent birthday cards to Captain Tom - and all are now on display in a school hall near his home
5
More than 100,000 people have sent birthday cards to Captain Tom - and all are now on display in a school hall near his homeCredit: PA:Press Association
The World War Two veteran has raised tens of millions of pounds for the NHS
5
The World War Two veteran has raised tens of millions of pounds for the NHSCredit: AFP or licensors

Cpt Tom set out to raise £1,000 for NHS Communities by doing laps of his garden in Bedfordshire before his big birthday on Thursday, April 30.

But he passed that target in just 24 hours - and has now raised an astonishing £29million.

And after hundreds of thousands of Brits wrote to the fabulous fundraiser, children at Bedford School, near Cpt Tom's home, have filled their school hall with the cards.

Cpt Tom explained his decision to refuse gifts on Twitter, writing: "I continue to be offered lots of lovely items.

"I really do have everything I need but others are struggling due to Covid-19 so, rather than giving to me, please look to donate these generous offers to a local care home or someone in your community.

"Thank you."

Yesterday Cpt Tom's eldest daughter Lucy Teixeira said he had received at least a thousands gifts "of everything from chocolate and flowers".

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: .

Speaking to the , daughter Lucy said: "He is absolutely blown away and humbled by the support."

She added she will be singing Happy Birthday to her father on BBC Breakfast on Thursday.

Captain Tom is set to receive a personalised telegram from the Queen.

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.

Cpt Tom, who currently holds the UK No1 single, will have the entire programme dedicated to his life and achievements.

The charity fundraiser has turned down all offers of presents - and instead asked for people to donate their money to help coronavirus patients
5
The charity fundraiser has turned down all offers of presents - and instead asked for people to donate their money to help coronavirus patientsCredit: PA:Press Association
Captain Tom began walking laps of his garden with the aim of raising just £1,000
5
Captain Tom began walking laps of his garden with the aim of raising just £1,000Credit: PA:Press Association
He will be honoured with an RAF flypast on his 100th birthday this week
5
He will be honoured with an RAF flypast on his 100th birthday this weekCredit: PA:Press Association
Bedford School helps Captain Tom Moore open thousands of cards ahead of his 100th birthday

We pay for your stories! Do you have a story for The Sun Online news team? Email us at [email protected] or call 0207 782 4368 . You can WhatsApp us on 07810 791 502. We pay for videos too. Click here to upload yours.

Topics
YOU MIGHT LIKE
RECOMMENDED FOR YOU
MORE FOR YOU