‘Captain Tom,’ 100-Year-Old Who Raised $45 Million For U.K.’s NHS, Hospitalized With Coronavirus

Topline

The 100-year-old British veteran Tom Moore, who raised about $45 million in donations for medical workers battling the coronavirus pandemic by walking laps in his front yard, was hospitalized Sunday after being diagnosed with Covid-19.

Key Facts

Key Background

Moore became a beloved national figure in the spring of 2020, when he asked friends and family to sponsor him to walk 100 laps around his front yard for his 100th birthday in April as a fundraiser for the National Health Service. His goal was to raise roughly $1,200, but his fundraiser soon became a national sensation, and Moore ended up donating around $45 million. In July, Queen Elizabeth II knighted Moore in one of her first public appearances in months.

Tangent

Earlier this month, daily coronavirus infections hit an all-time high in the U.K. with a more contagious strain circulating in the country. Researchers initially said that while the mutation appeared to be more infectious, there was no evidence to suggest it was more dangerous. However, Johnson more recently said there appears to be some evidence the strain could be associated with a higher rate of mortality, though more research is needed. New daily cases have steadily dropped since early January, though they still remain higher than during the country’s first and second waves.

Further Reading

Queen Elizabeth Knights ‘Captain Tom’ After WWII Vet Raises $40 Million For NHS (Forbes)

World War II Veteran Captain Tom Moore Celebrates 100th Birthday After Raising $40 Million For COVID-19 Frontline Workers (Forbes)