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.

Read more:

• 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.”

Captain Sir Tom Moore stands for a group photo.

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!”

Captain Sir Tom Moore talks to some trainees during a visit to AFC Harrogate.

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”.

Captain Sir Tom Moore engages with a senior officer during a visit to AFC Harrogate.

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”.

In the painting of the honorary colonel (who we learnt today is become, Captain Sir Tom Moore) is surrounded by a rainbow.

Artist, Neil J Arms from Cumbria, is the man behind the work of art. He told the Stray Ferret:

I have been an artist for 33 years but this is my probably my proudest piece of work ever…When I found out that Captain Tom Moore was the Honorary Colonel of the Army Foundation College, I decided that would be the perfect place for the painting to be hung.”

Mr Arms, along with his two daughters, travelled from their home in Cumbria to deliver the painting to the AFC this morning.

Commanding Officer, Lieutenant Colonel Richard Hall was there to receive the painting. He said:

Were delighted to be able to take receipt delivery of a painting of Col Tom Moore. We say it taking place of pride in the college forevermore… We are hoping he can virtually visit the college soon and when that time comes we will do a formal unveiling of it for him.

Mr Arms has raised £712 through a Just Giving page for NHS charities.