Forces’ sweetheart and Ditchling resident Dame Vera Lynn wishes Captain Tom Moore ‘a very happy 100th birthday’

The war veteran has raised an incredible £31million for the NHS by walking laps of his garden during the coronavirus.

He initially aimed to raise £1,000 but the centenarian’s heroic efforts quickly won the hearts of the nation and donations swooped in.

“Like the rest of the country, I was so inspired by Captain Tom Moore’s incredible achievement over the past few weeks,” said Dame Vera.

“I would like to wish Captain Moore a very happy birthday.

“He is a clear example of the best of Britain and I am delighted to see the way people have rallied around him.

“These are very challenging times but the community spirit and generosity on display across the United Kingdom gives me real hope that the future is bright.”

Dame Vera boosted the nation’s morale during the darkest days of World War Two, providing hope and reassurance for Allied troops and families.

The 103-year-old called on people to follow the ‘wonderful example of Captain Moore’ by supporting smaller charities like her own – The Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity (DVLCC) – that are in financial struggle amid the crisis.

“These are very difficult times for everyone, whether it be personally, professionally or financially and small charities are no exception,” she said.

“If at all possible, I ask people to follow the wonderful example of Captain Moore and support smaller charities like my own that are not on the front line of the coronavirus crisis but still provide vital services to vulnerable people across the country.”

The Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity (DVLCC) has launched an emergency fundraising appeal, with a target of raising £10,000, to ensure it can continue to provide its essential services during the global pandemic.

In recent weeks, it has had to temporarily close its centre in Cuckfield, but continues to support young families with cerebral palsy and other motor impairments.

It is providing one-to-one video support to families as well as general activities and advice to keep the children as active as possible. Much of its work is to help them build motor control.

Deborah Hay, chairman of DVLCC, said: “Unfortunately, we are facing a financial crisis even as we try to maintain a vital lifeline to the families we help.

“Our services are free-of-charge, but we don’t receive any statutory funding, and we aren’t eligible for any of the Government’s Coronavirus Small Business Grants or Business Interruption Loan Scheme.”

Britain’s Got Talent winner, Colin Thackery, has pledged support to the charity’s ‘Keep Smiling Through’ appeal as an ambassador, while supporters taking part in the #twopointsixchallenge – aimed at helping charities who would have benefitted from the London Marathon on Sunday – have pledged over £4,500 so far.

Even the charity’s chair of trustees took part in the 2.6 challenge and baked 26 cakes in 26 hours, which went to key workers in the emergency services.

Since the charity was established in 2001 by Dame Vera, it has helped more than 600 families who have children with cerebral palsy and other motor learning impairments.

Over the past year, the charity has provided 1,200 hours of hands-on support to families and 275 hours of outreach support.

Dame Vera said: “Early intervention is key to helping young children with cerebral palsy and other motor learning conditions gain a solid base from which they can develop their independence and self-esteem in later life.

“This is why I was determined to ensure this service could continue in my home county of West Sussex and support families from across the South East.

“I am so proud of how far the charity has come and all the work it does to support our families. It makes it all worthwhile when the children we have helped get in touch to tell us what they are doing and achieving as adults.”

To make a donation to the Dame Vera Lynn Children’s Charity, visit www.justgiving.com/campaign/keepsmilingthrough.