To Never Walk Alone.
At a time when this country needed a lift, a man before his hundredth birthday, wanted to leave this country a gift, he set out to walk one hundred lengths, on a path in the garden, where his time is now spent.
This nation needed this man, he lifted their souls, showing if you try, you can, his age didn’t say who he truly was, his determination to succeed, this nation did please.
He brought together, the young and old, children smiled, when of him they were told, he appeared in books for children to read, painted by artist, and knighted by his queen, Sir Captain Tom, the world had seen.
From the West Riding of Yorkshire, he did come, 30th April 1920, to a builder, a son, and a head teacher, his mum, no siblings it seems, but a little bundle that one day, great honour, to him his country will pay.
When the nation needed inspiration, from nowhere he came, to raise money for charity, he had an aim, for the NHS he thought he could raise a few quid, age ninety-nine, that’s what he did.
Over twenty-four days, a £1000 he hoped to raise, one step at a time, and at his own pace, at ninety-nine, this was never going to be a race, with a little help by his side, his completion, was the nations pride.
On the media, he became a star, the people took him to their heart, from near and far, accolades came from around the world, Captain Tom, was the call being heard.
One and a half million, donations were made, the £1000 target, quickly did fade, £39 million, give or take the tax, number one song, two records cracked, “you will never walk alone” the covered track.
His hundredth birthday came, 150,000 birthday cards, and from the sky, a flypast from the RAF, and of the Army’s planes, the heart of a nation, celebrated his day, he brought us together, in the most unexpected way.
He served his country, at a time of war, Duke of Wellingtons, then the Armoured Corp, later in India, to run a training program, for army motorcyclists, at some point, he became a racing fan.
A competitive racer, he wore number 23, on a Scott motorcycle, winning many a trophy, keen photography, like his father before, and a Christmas day edition, 1983, a Blanky Blank contestant, on the TV.
We thank you for your service, Captain Sir Tom Moore, you touched the heart of millions, that’s for sure, an icon too what’s possible, if we only try, forever part of history, today the world says goodbye, 30th April 1920 – 2nd February 2021.
Derrick W Sole. 2021.