Captain Tom Moore recalls seeing Dame Vera Lynn in Burma during WW2 as charity single heads for number one

Captain Tom has so far raised an astonishing £26 million for NHS charities
Kimberley Bond20 April 2020
The Weekender

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With his JustGiving page and his brand new charity single, Captain Tom Moore is leading the charge in raising money for the NHS during the coronavirus crisis.

His noble efforts have received universal praise from all around the world.

Among the famous faces who have applauded Captain Tom is Dame Vera Lynn, whose own single We’ll Meet Again has seen a boom in popularity as the world fights Covid-19.

Lynn, 103, personally reached out to Captain Tom by writing him a letter but the Captain, 99, has now revealed he has previously met the singer.

Hero: Captain Tom Moore has raised over £26 million (ITV)
Good Morning Britain

Speaking on Good Morning Britain, Captain Tom told Piers Morgan: “She came down to see the troops when I was stationed down in Burma.

“I saw her whilst we were out there in the firing line. It gave us so much more additional heart.”

Captain Tom Moore - In pictures

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With Captain Tom’s own charity single, a cover of You’ll Never Walk Alone featuring Michael Ball and the NHS Voices of Care choir, now on track to be a UK number one – he added he felt bad about outstripping his contemporary.

“I feel rather sorry as she is such a superstar and she’s been on top for so long,” he said. “I was amazed when I got the letter from Dame Vera, she’s always been such a top person backing up this country for so long. I say thank you, it’s so kind and thoughtful for you to send me such a lovely note.”

Celebrities make a show of thanks for frontline NHS key workers

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When pushed by Morgan to reveal what she said, Captain Tom cheekily responded: “I’m not going to tell you.”

A petition for Captain Tom to receive a knighthood has received over 850,000 signatures – but in spite of all of his hard work, he modestly believes he doesn’t think he will receive the honour.

“It really is like being in fairyland,” he said. “People are like you are so kindly speaking to me and helping all the time. But I wouldn’t hold your breath [when it comes to a knighthood], Piers.”

Good Morning Britain continues weekdays from 6am on ITV.

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