WAR veteran Captain Tom Moore has stolen the nation’s hearts after raising almost £30million for the NHS by tackling 100 laps of his garden.

Now, thousands of people around the world will join the veteran today in celebrating his 100th birthday from afar - including his very proud daughter in Reading.

Lucy Teixeira, the eldest of Captain Tom’s daughters, is not able to spend the day by her father’s side - but instead will join him virtually for a host of TV interviews.

But her neighbours in Caversham didn’t want the day to go by with out ‘bringing the party’ to Mrs Teixeira and her family too.

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So, the mum-of-two, together with husband Tom and 19-year-old son Max, are being treated to a local piano performance.

A rendition of Happy Birthday will ring through the streets from the grand piano in the neighbour’s front room in honour of the war hero.

A number of friends are expected to join for the milestone moment - at a safe distance.

Mrs Teixeira, who usually visits her father in Bedfordshire every a month, said: “It is very thoughtful to help me celebrate my father’s birthday as I can’t be with him.”

Reading Chronicle:

Captain Tom pictured with his daughters Lucy and Hannah

The proud daughter said she hopes to Facetime him today, and plans to throw a party for the 100 year old after lockdown.

Mrs Teixeira described her father’s amazement at the outpouring of support and donations he has received.

She said just last week the veteran had received 1,000 presents, as well as 125,000 birthday cards which are being sorted at a nearby school.

There will also be an RAF flypast for the veteran at 8.22am today.

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Mrs Teixeira said: “How many daughters can say their father is 100 years old, that he has raised £30million for the NHS, he has a number one single and has inspired hundreds of people around the world.

"I couldn’t be any prouder, his Yorkshire grit and determination is incredible."

Captain Tom, a former Army officer who served in Burma during the Second World War, now holds the record for the largest sum ever raised in by an individual charity walk.

Reading Chronicle:

He also holds a second world record as the oldest person to have a number-one single in the UK charts after recording 'You'll Never Walk Alone' with singer Michael Ball.

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The secret to Captain Tom’s long and happy life, according to his daughter, he would say was to keep busy, keep moving, and keep the mind active.

The national treasure himself said: “I’d like to say a big thank you to all the readers who have sent me birthday congratulations.

“The tremendous British public have shown me so much love. You have repurposed and re-energised me, and for that I will be forever grateful.”

But not as grateful as the millions of people who have taken hope and inspiration from your incredible achievement Captain Tom.

Many happy returns.