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Aug 2020

Harrogate

Captain Sir Tom Moore visits Harrogate army college

Published: 3 Aug 2020, 17:26 BST

by Connor Creaghan

The World War II veteran looked around the college, met and chatted with junior soldiers. The college also gave Sir Tom Moore his new Colonel's rank slides.

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Captain Sir Tom Moore leaves AFC Harrogate to the applause of hundreds of trainees during his visit. Captain Sir Tom Moore visited the Army Foundation College in Harrogate, North Yorkshire, today (Monday, August 3, 2020) in his new role as their Honorary Colonel. World War II veteran, who raised a phenomenal £38.9 million for the National Health Services charitable wing, NHS Charities Trust, upon completing 100 laps around his garden at his home in Bedfordshire, during the lockdown period, has become a household name and national treasure. The foundation college is the only Junior Entry basic training establishment in the British Army and it plays a vital role in delivering initial military training and education for under 19s, developing the Army's future leaders and provides them with the knowledge and skills to excel in their military career and lives beyond. Keighley-born hero, Captain Sir Tom Moore, was shown around the college, met and chatted with many of the Junior Soldiers and received his new Colonel's rank slides marking his role as the new Honorary Colonel of the college.

Captain Sir Tom Moore visited Army Foundation College in Harrogate today in his first visit as its Honorary Colonel.

The World War II veteran looked around the college, met and chatted with junior soldiers. The college also gave Sir Tom Moore his new Colonel's rank slides.

He raised £38.9 million for the NHS after completing 100 laps around his garden during the coronavirus lockdown - becoming a national treasure.

Captain Tom Moore appointed Honorary Colonel of the Army Foundation College Harrogate

Portrait of Col Tom Moore donated to Harrogate Army Foundation College

Capt Tom Moore opens Harrogate NHS Nightingale hospital

Captain Sir Tom Moore said he was pleased to visit the college today:

‘‘It is a real honour to have been made Honorary Colonel. The skills I learnt in the army benefitted me throughout my life and it was wonderful watching the training in action today and speaking with the junior soldiers just starting out, I wish them all well."

Harrogate AFC prepares 16 and 17-year-olds for a career in the army. It appointed Captain Sir Tom as Honorary Colonel when he turned 100-years-old.

Lieutenant Colonel Simon Farebrother MC, the College's Commanding Officer, said:

“We were absolutely thrilled when Capt Sir Tom became our Honorary Colonel and this visit is the icing on the cake. He is an inspirational figure for the College Staff and Junior Soldiers who, like him, are fulfilling their potential in the British Army. A wonderful day!”

Junior Soldier, Daniel Barker, from 11 Platoon, Cambrai Company, stated:

“Sir Tom is an inspiration to me as I have seen first-hand the goodness that the NHS can do. In 2018 my Grandad had cancer. The treatment was unsuccessful, but the NHS were successful in every way. The money Sir Tom Moore raised will go to help families like mine. Speaking to him was an honour”.

Lewis Sharpe, also a Junior Soldier of 11 Platoon, Cambrai Company, said:

“The inspiration that Sir Tom has demonstrated has inspired me to push myself further. Coming from a difficult background myself, the hard work Sir Tom has shown has proven to me what you can achieve with sheer determination. It was a privilege speaking to Sir Tom today”.

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Captain Sir Tom Moore visits Harrogate army college

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