A TRIBUTE to Captain Tom Moore, the Second World War veteran who has raised £23 million for the NHS, has appeared in Seaford.

A giant “thank you” has been chalked on the pavement in Belgrave Road, along with a picture of the 99-year-old, who has been walking 100 laps of his Bedfordshire garden.

He wanted to do it before he turned 100 at the end of the month – and aimed for a £1,000 target. He made global headlines when he completely smashed that figure.

Communities Secretary Robert Jenrick said the Government wanted to thank him for his “truly heroic efforts” by inviting him to the opening of the NHS Nightingale facility in Harrogate.

The Argus:

Mr Jenrick said the inspirational fundraiser had rallied communities.

He said: “We’ve all been humbled by the gestures large and small by people across the country to show support to those working so hard to protect the NHS and to save lives.

"None more so than Captain Tom Moore who has raised an astonishing £23 million this week for NHS charities.

"I can’t think of a more worthy person to be the guest of honour at the opening of the new Nightingale hospital.”

The Argus:

Captain Tom, who has already completed his 100 laps, has vowed to keep walking as long as donations are coming in.

Amid calls for him to be knighted, Boris Johnson’s spokesman said the PM was considering how to recognise Mr Moore’s “heroic efforts”.

  • The coronavirus Sussex Crisis Fund has been set up to help those affected by the pandemic. The Argus’s charity and American Express have each donated £50,000 to kick-start the appeal. Grants will usually be for up to £5,000. More information is available at www.sussexgiving. org.uk/apply. To donate visit www.totalgiving.co.uk/appeal/sussexcrisisfund