Special Postmark To Celebrate Captain Tom Moore's 100th Birthday

All mail sent from Monday will be stamped with a special postmark to celebrate the upcoming 100th birthday of NHS fundraiser Captain Tom Moore.

The Royal Mail postmark, which will be applied to all stamped post between 26 April and 1 May, reads: “Happy 100th Birthday Captain Thomas Moore NHS fundraising hero 30th April 2020.”

The Second World War veteran has raised more than £28 million for the NHS by walking laps of his garden in Bedfordshire ahead of his centenary year. 

His initial £1,000 fundraising target was broken in around 24 hours and he has extended his challenge to 200 laps after he completed the first 100 laps 14 days ahead of schedule.

David Gold, director of public affairs and policy at Royal Mail, said: "What Captain Thomas Moore has achieved is truly phenomenal, and this is reflected in the affection shown for him across the world.

"As Royal Mail works to keep the country connected during these challenging times, we are honoured to issue a special postmark in celebration of his 100th birthday."

The recognition comes after the Royal Mail had to adapt its sorting machines in the South Midlands Mail Centre to re-route all post to Capt Tom into a dedicated collection box.

Meanwhile, Bedford School, where Capt Tom's grandson attends, is helping to open and display some of his cards.

The school said it has already received "tens of thousands". 

Last week, Capt Tom became the oldest person to reach number one in the UK singles charts.

His charity cover of 'You'll Never Walk Alone', along with Michael Ball and the NHS Voices of Care Choir, beat 'Blinding Lights' by Canadian singer The Weeknd to claim the top spot. 

Speaking outside Downing Street on Monday, Prime Minister Boris Johnson urged the public to show the same "spirit of optimism and energy" as Capt Tom.