Captain Tom Moore 'In Fairyland' With Army Veteran On Track For Number One Single

Captain Tom Moore has described the response to his coronavirus fundraiser as "rather like being in fairyland" as he remains on course for the number one spot in the charts.

The 99-year-old veteran has already raised more than £26.5 million for the NHS by walking 100 laps of his Bedfordshire garden.

His charity cover of 'You'll Never Walk Alone' with West End star Michael Ball is currently on track to beat Dame Vera Lynn to the top single spot. 

However, the veteran told ITV's Good Morning Britain he was "rather sorry because she's such a superstar and has been on the top for so long".

He also recalled seeing Dame Vera while serving in Burma during World War Two.

Capt Tom said the singer's performance "gave us so much additional heart".

The veteran has also received a letter from the forces' wartime sweetheart.

While Capt Tom would not be drawn on what she wrote, he said it was "so kind and thoughtful". 

The pensioner’s recording, which also features the NHS Voices of Care Choir, sold 36,000 copies in 48 hours and could bring him a debut official UK number one just in time for his 100th birthday on 30 April.

Capt Tom's daughter, Hannah Ingram-Moore, said "our life has changed in the last five days" and said "every day something extraordinary happens.

“We simply remain a happy family and utterly humbled by the support of the public," she added.

The veteran has said he will continue to walk laps of his garden for as long as donations continue to be made. 

He has been described as a "one-man fundraising machine" by the Duke of Cambridge, while the Prime Minister's spokesman said Boris Johnson is looking at ways to recognise Capt Tom's "heroic efforts".

Cover image: Captain Tom Moore completing the 100th lap of his garden (Picture: PA).