RAF to Honour Captain Tom Moore’s 100th with Stunning Birthday Flypast
Captain Tom Moore, the WWII hero who raised a staggering £30 million for the NHS, is set for a sky-high birthday tribute. To celebrate his 100th birthday tomorrow, the Royal Air Force will give him the ultimate salute – a special flypast!
From Garden Walks to Global Hero
Captain Tom captured hearts worldwide by walking 100 laps in his garden during lockdown to raise money for NHS frontline workers battling COVID-19. What started as a modest £1,000 target exploded into nearly £30 million in donations. Along the way, he received more than 130,000 birthday cards from admirers across the globe.
Flypast Drama: From Permission Denied to RAF Rescue
Initially, a Spitfire restoration company at Kent’s Biggin Hill Heritage Hangar planned a birthday flypast featuring their rare Mark 9 Spitfire, ‘The Spirit of Kent.’ But the Department for Transport blocked their plans, leaving fans worried.
However, the RAF’s elite Battle of Britain Memorial Flight (BBMF) – flying six iconic Spitfires from RAF Coningsby – has now stepped in. “Getting a Spitfire overhead for Captain Tom was always the primary goal, and we’re thrilled this may still be possible,” said the restoration team.
Honours Rolling In for Britain’s Brightest Star
Captain Tom’s heroics earned him a Pride of Britain Award and sparked calls for a knighthood. Transport Secretary Grant Shapps confirmed the RAF flypast would go ahead, calling it a “surprise for Tom” that was too special to miss.
As Britain prepares to salute this extraordinary centenarian, Captain Tom proves that courage and kindness never go out of style.
