200,000 people have signed a Change.org petition calling for Captain Tom Moore to be knighted, just hours after the 99-year-old war veteran finished 100 laps of his garden to raise more than £14m for the NHS.
Sonia Wilson started her petition to create enough support for Capt Moore to be recognised in the next honours list, set to be published on the Queen’s official birthday in June.
She says “I’m an NHS midwife and it’s given me and my colleagues a huge morale boost to watch Captain Moore over the last few days.
Not only that, but to see the outpouring of support from the public to support his fundraiser has been incredible.
Thank you Captain Moore. And thank you to everyone who has supported him.
Now this amazing motivational hero deserves to be awarded a knighthood.”
Kajal Odedra, UK Executive Director of Change.org, adds that the idea is proving popular with over 150 people having started petitions for Capt Moore to be knighted.
“Captain Moore has shown us all the power that individual action can have in a crisis and brought a smile to all of our faces during a difficult time. Now hundreds of thousands of people are taking small actions themselves, to say thank you to Capt Moore by signing this petition. I hope it will bring a smile to his face to know he has had such an impact on the country.”
A petition started by Mark Oldaker says “Captain Tom Moore deserves the recognition to become a SIR for everything he has done and fought for, for our fantastic country”.
Another petition started by Zoey Cheetham reads “Think it is safe to say that Captain Tom Moore deserves a knighthood, for his continuing amazing effort to raise money for the NHS, during this difficult time. Let’s make this happen.”
As well as petitions, the hashtag #KnighthoodforCaptainTom has been trending and GMB presenter Piers Morgan has called for viewers to back the campaign for Sir Tom Moore too.
Asked on Good Morning Britain if he would appreciate a knighthood, Capt Moore said: ‘I really would. I find it unbelievable that it is likely to happen – I could’ve never ever ever anticipated that”.
In response to the public campaign, the Prime Minister’s spokesman said: “Tom has captured the heart of the nation with his heroic efforts and has raised an incredible amount of money for hardworking NHS staff.
“He has embodied the spirit of the whole country in doing their bit for the battle against coronavirus, to support the NHS and save lives.
“From his military contributions to his support for NHS staff, Tom has demonstrated a lifetime of bravery and compassion.
“The Prime Minister will certainly be looking at ways to recognise Tom for his heroic efforts.”
Sonia’s petition can be signed at change.org/SirTomMoore