The 100-year-old veteran raised £32m for NHS charities by walking more than 100 laps of his garden in Marston Moretaine, Bedfordshire.
When asked about how he felt about the honour, he said; “I am absolutely overawed,” he said; “This is such a high award and to get it from Her Majesty as well – what more can anyone wish for? This has been an absolutely magnificent day for me.”
Sir Tom Moore was given the honorary title of colonel on his 100th birthday in April 2020. His initial fundraising target for NHS charities was £1,000 by walking an 82ft (25m) loop of his garden. His exceeded his target greatly with the help of over 1.5m supporters
This unique event was the Queens first official in person engagement since the lockdown and it was the first time the knighting ceremony was held in a social distant manner. The Queen used the sword that belonged to her father, George VI, to bestow the insignia of Knight Bachelor upon Captain Sir Tom.
