Sir Tom Moore - Inspirational

[Rileybobs]

Hope everyone will be joining Ben Fogle singing happy birthday to the queen at 9am on Tuesday (is it Tuesday?).

A true patriot and hero he is.

Haha. Had to google that as i don’t really use twitter and somehow haven’t had much time for social media etc for a couple of days. Hope he gathers himself as the missus was watching something earlier and he was holding back the tears having witnessed the birth of a tiger.

[Rileybobs]

.

Why are you highlighting some of my text in bold font?

[RingoMcCartney]

I find it strange how we choose our heroes. This guy has done a very respectable thing and raised an absolute mountain of cash for a worthy cause. But he’s just done a bit of walking in his garden. The reality is it is the media’s coverage of this particular cause that has led to the enormous donations.

Not in any way trying to put a downer on what’s been achieved here, but there are lots of other people who carry out selfless charitable acts which just don’t get the attention.

Releasing a single (WTAF??) and talks of being recognised by the PM are just examples of people jumping on the PR bandwagon.

.

[RingoMcCartney]

I know he’s old. Fair play, a few people make it to that age, most don’t. That’s just the luck of the draw. My point being that his fundraising could easily have raised just a few quid. He’s not done anything particularly remarkable by walking some lengths of his garden. There are people undertaking far more remarkable feats which won’t raise a fraction of this.

The media has drawn enormous attention to this particular campaign which has led to a huge amount of people, myself included, making a donation. It’s all for a great cause so I’m delighted it’s been so successful. But in reality this particular chap hasn’t done anything more than someone running a marathon with a washing machine on their back for Cancer Research.

It seems like in these troubled times people are desperate to find heroes. I’ve not got a problem with that, I just don’t feel the same way. I don’t really understand the hollow gesture of clapping for the NHS workers at a pre-defined time every week, or calling refuse collectors and delivery drivers heroes. Don’t get me wrong, I have nothing against those who do, I’m just not feeling it.

.

[Jakubclaret]

Absolutely incredible understating that mans achievements, the mind boggles!

[RingoMcCartney]

How can everyone working through this be heroes? The bus drivers who die are extremely unfortunate but they’re not heroes. They’re doing their job to earn money to support themselves and their family, like most of us do.

Someone throwing themselves in front of a bullet to save others is a hero, someone who unfortunately dies whilst working for self-motivated reasons isn’t.

.

[Rileybobs]

.

What are you doing? Why can’t you engage in conversation like others? What is it about my views that you disagree with? Let’s discuss...

[dsr]

I know he’s old. Fair play, a few people make it to that age, most don’t. That’s just the luck of the draw. My point being that his fundraising could easily have raised just a few quid. He’s not done anything particularly remarkable by walking some lengths of his garden. There are people undertaking far more remarkable feats which won’t raise a fraction of this.

The media has drawn enormous attention to this particular campaign which has led to a huge amount of people, myself included, making a donation. It’s all for a great cause so I’m delighted it’s been so successful. But in reality this particular chap hasn’t done anything more than someone running a marathon with a washing machine on their back for Cancer Research.

That's pretty much true of all honours - at least, all honours that aren't covered by the "Buggins' turn" rules.

Why does Mo Farah get a knighthood while dozens of other athletes, who work just as long and train just as hard and are better at their job than 99.99% of the world, not get knighthoods? Because of results. The ones that get the best results, get the honours. And yes, the results in this case (and in Farah's) ar enot evenly shared out according to effort; that's life.

[tim_noone]

To the OP title Yes. But a welcome Distraction for the fiddlers frantically fiddling.

[Rileybobs]

That's pretty much true of all honours - at least, all honours that aren't covered by the "Buggins' turn" rules.

Why does Mo Farah get a knighthood while dozens of other athletes, who work just as long and train just as hard and are better at their job than 99.99% of the world, not get knighthoods? Because of results. The ones that get the best results, get the honours. And yes, the results in this case (and in Farah's) ar enot evenly shared out according to effort; that's life.

Fair point but not a great comparison. Farah was better, maybe only marginally, but better than his peers. This guy hasn’t done anything more remarkable than a lot of others. The results are greater but they have been achieved by media coverage. He’s just walked 100 lengths of his garden, and fair play to him for that considering his age. But it’s nothing remarkable. The amount raised is remarkable but it’s totally out of proportion to the feat performed.

[RingoMcCartney]

Fair point but not a great comparison. Farah was better, maybe only marginally, but better than his peers. This guy hasn’t done anything more remarkable than a lot of others. The results are greater but they have been achieved by media coverage. He’s just walked 100 lengths of his garden, and fair play to him for that considering his age. But it’s nothing remarkable. The amount raised is remarkable but it’s totally out of proportion to the feat performed.

.

[Rileybobs]

.

You may not agree with me, but at least I’m adding something to the discussion. You’re just copying my posts (thanks for that) and turning some of the words bold without an explanation. Come on, let’s be having you. You’re not usually shy.

[dsr]

Fair point but not a great comparison. Farah was better, maybe only marginally, but better than his peers. This guy hasn’t done anything more remarkable than a lot of others. The results are greater but they have been achieved by media coverage. He’s just walked 100 lengths of his garden, and fair play to him for that considering his age. But it’s nothing remarkable. The amount raised is remarkable but it’s totally out of proportion to the feat performed.

This bloke is better than his peers - by a vast amount - at raising money for the NHS. Like I said, honours are dished out for getting results, not for trying hard.

[Rileybobs]

This bloke is better than his peers - by a vast amount - at raising money for the NHS. Like I said, honours are dished out for getting results, not for trying hard.

I disagree. I saw something today where a 91 year old is doing 91 laps of his farmhouse to raise money for the NHS. Will he raise over £25m? I doubt that very, very much. Is that because he’s not as good as Captain Tom? Or is it because the media and therefore public have already decided on their hero?

[RingoMcCartney]

I disagree. I saw something today where a 91 year old is doing 91 laps of his farmhouse to raise money for the NHS. Will he raise over £25m? I doubt that very, very much. Is that because he’s not as good as Captain Tom? Or is it because the media and therefore public have already decided on their hero?

.

[Elizabeth]

I clap outside my house every Thursday and I have gladly contributed to Captain Tom's Just Giving page.
I'm grateful I was given these opportunities and I chose to take them. I didn't feel I was being told how and when to show appreciation.
Here was the chance to feel good at this terrible time. To grow closer with my neighbours and recognise here was a humble man who will be shortly 100 thanking the NHS for the care he was given while receiving cancer treatment and recovering from a broken hip.
I'm glad the media and the Internet were able to highlight something good for once because without that I would not have had these opportunities to boost my mental wellbeing.

[Damo]

Think he's highlighting what an absolute lettuce you are Rileybobs.
Obviously the guy isnt a hero for walking around his garden.
But arguing on the internet that he isn't, when the public has supported him and the NHS to the tune of £25 million just seems really tragic, when the only reason you are doing it is because he once served in the army, or he once voted Tory, or voted to leave the EU.
Or some other silly reason that has offended you

[claretonthecoast1882]

Think he's highlighting what an absolute lettuce you are Rileybobs.
Obviously the guy isnt a hero for walking around his garden.
But arguing on the internet that he isn't, when the public has supported him and the NHS to the tune of £25 million just seems really tragic, when the only reason you are doing it is because he once served in the army, or he once voted Tory, or voted to leave the EU.
Or some other silly reason that has offended you

Quite surprised the captain hasn’t been labeled “gammon” yet, isn’t it what the gutless use. He’s also from the generation who has robbed other people of their future while they sit at home doing little to help

[Rileybobs]

Think he's highlighting what an absolute lettuce you are Rileybobs.
Obviously the guy isnt a hero for walking around his garden.
But arguing on the internet that he isn't, when the public has supported him and the NHS to the tune of £25 million just seems really tragic, when the only reason you are doing it is because he once served in the army, or he once voted Tory, or voted to leave the EU.
Or some other silly reason that has offended you

What are you on about?

Unlike you I don’t judge someone because of their job, political allegiance or position on our EU membership. That would really be tragic.

It is perfectly reasonable to hold a different view than others. The fact that you and Ringo hold the opposite view gives me some comfort.

[claret2018]

What’s worrying is that it seems to becoming more normal that the NHS is being seen as a charity for which people need to give donations to

[Elizabeth]

As well as the red wine you were drinking

[Elizabeth]

I think it will feel better giving our money through charity than through government taxes likely to come to pay for this wreckage of a virus

[Rileybobs]

As well as the red wine you were drinking

How do you know it was red?

I stand by my views and I’m totally comfortable if people disagree. To summarise;

I personally don’t find a person walking some laps of their garden inspirational.
I think it’s fantastic that such a huge amount of money has been raised for a good cause.
The money wasn’t so much raised by the physical actions of this person, but by the media coverage surrounding it.
A lot of people are doing things that are as ‘inspirational’ as this chap, but haven’t received any coverage.

I don’t think there’s anything too controversial there but it seems to have upset some of our more precious residents.

[claretonthecoast1882]

I think it’s fantastic that such a huge amount of money has been raised for a good cause.

I would have left it at that

[Elizabeth]

Only because I start to talk nonsense when I'm on it.

[Rileybobs]

I would have left it at that

Why? Are we not allowed critical thinking on here? I’ve not said anything controversial or offensive. Just giving my thoughts on how we determine our ‘heroes’, and the role the media play in that. This seemed like the right place to do so.

[Rileybobs]

Only because I start to talk nonsense when I'm on it.

Is it nonsense because you disagree with it? Off the top of my head the only poster who has actually challenged what I’ve said is Burnley1989 and we had a sensible discussion about it and actually reached some common ground. The rest of you are taking cheap shots without any content.

[RingoMcCartney]

I find it strange how we choose our heroes. But he’s just done a bit of walking in his garden. The reality is it is the media’s coverage of this particular cause that has led to the enormous donations.

The reality is the media is simply reflecting the nation taking to its heart this extra ordinary gentleman. A man who fought for his country so that unappreciative , unthinking people like you can type garbage on your computer while drinking wine.

I know he’s old. Fair play, a few people make it to that age, most don’t. That’s just the luck of the draw. My point being that his fundraising could easily have raised just a few quid. He’s not done anything particularly remarkable by walking some lengths of his garden. There are people undertaking far more remarkable feats which won’t raise a fraction of this.

Nothing remarkable!? When you reach his age how many millions do you think you'll raise? If it's so unremarkable 10, 20, 30, 50 a hundred million? How many millions are you going to raise Rileybobs? Go on! Roughly! Give me a ball park figure to the nearest 10 million.

How can everyone working through this be heroes?

Someone throwing themselves in front of a bullet to save others is a hero,

Why do you think he proudly wears a chest full of medals?

This guy hasn’t done anything more remarkable than a lot of others. He’s just walked 100 lengths of his garden, and fair play to him for that considering his age. But it’s nothing remarkable.

The rest of the nation aren't as begrudgingly cold hearted as you are they Rileybobs? . They see what the old boy has done, at his grand old age, quite literally as utterly remarkable.

[Elizabeth]

I challenged the 'red wine' comments that were made in the early hours of this morning, in my first post today.
I think the subtlety went over your head

[Rileybobs]

The reality is the media is simply reflecting the nation taking to its heart this extra ordinary gentleman. A man who fought for his country so that unappreciative , unthinking people like you can type garbage on your computer while drinking wine.

Pretty sure that’s not why he fought for his country. And where have I been unappreciative?

Nothing remarkable!? When you reach his age how many millions do you think you'll raise? If it's so unremarkable 10, 20, 30, 50 a hundred million? How many millions are you going to raise Rileybobs? Go on! Roughly! Give me a ball park figure to the nearest 10 million.

If you read the post that you took the time to quote you’d see that I didn’t say raising £20m wasn’t remarkable. I said that walking 100 laps of his garden isn’t remarkable. Or are you going to tell me that it is? To the nearest 10 million pounds I’m going to raise 0. In all likelihood so is the 91 year old bloke who is walking 91 laps of his house.

Why do you think he proudly wears a chest full of medals?

The rest of the nation aren't as begrudgingly cold hearted as you are they Rileybobs? . They see what the old boy has done, at his grand old age, quite literally as utterly remarkable.

Really not sure why you’re bringing his wartime achievements into this. Well, actually I am, it’s because you’re a jingoistic buffoon.

Raising that amount of money is absolutely fantastic, I’ve not claimed otherwise. Not really sure how I’m begrudgingly cold hearted. I’ve already said I made a donation to this cause.

However you’re going to have to try harder to convince me that walking around his garden in itself is a remarkable feat.

As usual, rather than debating the actual points that I’ve made you resort to a load of emotive, soppy nonsense.

[RingoMcCartney]

Someone throwing themselves in front of a bullet to save others is a hero,

Captain Tom Moore put his life on the line for his county.

He served in

The Battle of Ramree Island was fought in January and February 1945, during the Second World War. There have been reports of Japanese soldiers being eaten by saltwater crocodiles living in the inland mangrove swamps;

He also served in

The Arakan Campaign of 1942–43 was the first tentative Allied attack into Burma, following the Japanese conquest of Burma earlier in 1942, during the Second World War. The British Army and British Indian Army were not ready for offensive actions in the difficult terrain they encountered, nor had the civil government, industry and transport infrastructure of Eastern India been organised to support the Army on the frontier with Burma. Japanese defenders occupying well-prepared positions repeatedly repulsed the British and Indian forces, who were then forced to retreat when the Japanese received reinforcements and counter-attacked.

He was awarded medals

1939–1945 Star

Burma Star

War Medal 1939–1945

Or is it because the media and therefore public have already decided on their hero?

Or is that you're totally disrespectful remarks make you sound like someone who doesn't have a heart. Because the nation recognizes his achievements both during his military service and his absolutely selfless, remarkable achievements in at his grand old age, doing what he's done for the NHS. And they've shown their gratitude to him with the unprecedented amount of money he's raised so far, as he's vowed to carry on!

"As long as they keep giving, I'll keep walking"

Unlike you, the nation knows a hero when it sees one, and Captain Tom Moore is a hero.

[Rileybobs]

Captain Tom Moore put his life on the line for his county.

He served in

The Battle of Ramree Island was fought in January and February 1945, during the Second World War. There have been reports of Japanese soldiers being eaten by saltwater crocodiles living in the inland mangrove swamps;

He also served in

The Arakan Campaign of 1942–43 was the first tentative Allied attack into Burma, following the Japanese conquest of Burma earlier in 1942, during the Second World War. The British Army and British Indian Army were not ready for offensive actions in the difficult terrain they encountered, nor had the civil government, industry and transport infrastructure of Eastern India been organised to support the Army on the frontier with Burma. Japanese defenders occupying well-prepared positions repeatedly repulsed the British and Indian forces, who were then forced to retreat when the Japanese received reinforcements and counter-attacked.

He was awarded medals

1939–1945 Star

Burma Star

War Medal 1939–1945




Or is that you're totally disrespectful remarks make you sound like someone who doesn't have a heart. Because the nation recognizes his achievements both during his military service and his absolutely selfless, remarkable achievements in at his grand old age, doing what he's done for the NHS. And they've shown their gratitude to him with the unprecedented amount of money he's raised so far, as he's vowed to carry on!

"As long as they keep giving, I'll keep walking"

Unlike you, the nation knows a hero when it sees one, and Captain Tom Moore is a hero.

I haven’t questioned his heroism during the war you balloon. The quote which you’ve unhelpfully, yet deceitfully posted out of context was saying that I don’t consider bus drivers or delivery drivers as heroes. Sue me.

[Jakubclaret]

It's hell of a sight easier to just give the old dude a thumbs up & recognise he's done good raising money for charity, you will always experience some people downplaying & courting controversy to try to deflect.

[FactualFrank]

Approaching £26 million now.

[Conroy92]

"I said that walking 100 laps of his garden isn’t remarkable"

If you don't think a 100 year old (very nearly), recovering from a hip replacement and doing 100 laps of his garden to raise money for the NHS is remarkable then I can see why people might think you are a belm.

As you think it is not remarkable, please tell me how many people at 99 you know are doing similar things?

The honest truth is you probably don't know many people at 99. I wait to be corrected.

[Elizabeth]

Maybe subtleness is not a strong point with some.

While I was hoping that sobering up would help it looks like I was too forgiving.

The point has been badly missed here. It is not about whether the achievement of walking around the outside of the house is an achievement or not. Even for a near centurion who has to use a zimmer type frame.

Indeed, a point to bear in mind, is that the capt only agreed to do it if he was sponsored. You know for how much? I think it was £1000. Yes, such a modest amount.

Now for me, I don't know about others, I think that was evidence that the Captain didn't want all this attention, and probably feels embarrassed about the fuss.

Ironically, I think he himself would have thought he wasn't doing anything special. Maybe he might just shrug his shoulders and ask people not to defend him if anyone questions his achievement in the walk he did. He didn't do the walk to impress anyone

[Jakubclaret]

How bus drivers selflessly working & transporting NHS workers to & fro, aren't considered hero's is beyond me, even ignoring there own health & safety to make sure the hospitals are fully staffed making the front more efficient in these unpredecented times. Some could have refused to work but knowing full well the time the perspex shields would have been made & fitted, too many life's would have been lost so some lost there own as a result.

[Duffer_]

It is perfectly reasonable to admire the man whilst debating why he has become such a phenomenon. I don't really understand why the usual attack dogs are frothing at Rileybobs on this one.

I saw an interview with the gentleman and his family on Breakfast TV the other day. One of his relatives was talking about how they had prepared a press release and issued it to local media outlets. The language used suggested some expertise, or at least more knowledge than I have in that area.

The response to him is incredible and raises lots of questions for me. Questions about our need for common celebration, how we view the funding of public services, and our treatment of the elderly. It is not disloyal or disrespectful to think or question things on a messageboard. Some of the language and intolerance of alternative views on here is surely the antithesis of what he fought for.

[Rileybobs]

"I said that walking 100 laps of his garden isn’t remarkable"

If you don't think a 100 year old (very nearly), recovering from a hip replacement and doing 100 laps of his garden to raise money for the NHS is remarkable then I can see why people might think you are a belm.

As you think it is not remarkable, please tell me how many people at 99 you know are doing similar things?

The honest truth is you probably don't know many people at 99. I wait to be corrected.

This has really escalated. I haven’t said that the amount he raised for the NHS isn’t remarkable. I said that the act of walking lengths of his garden isn’t remarkable. Sorry for that really controversial claim.

[Rileybobs]

Maybe subtleness is not a strong point with some.

While I was hoping that sobering up would help it looks like I was too forgiving.

The point has been badly missed here. It is not about whether the achievement of walking around the outside of the house is an achievement or not. Even for a near centurion who has to use a zimmer type frame.

Indeed, a point to bear in mind, is that the capt only agreed to do it if he was sponsored. You know for how much? I think it was £1000. Yes, such a modest amount.

Now for me, I don't know about others, I think that was evidence that the Captain didn't want all this attention, and probably feels embarrassed about the fuss.

Ironically, I think he himself would have thought he wasn't doing anything special. Maybe he might just shrug his shoulders and ask people not to defend him if anyone questions his achievement in the walk he did. He didn't do the walk to impress anyone

I got your point about suggesting I was under the influence last night. It wasn’t particularly subtle, just incorrect.

I haven’t questioned the guy’s modesty or motives. I bet he’s a really great guy and I’ve got nothing but admiration for him.

[RingoMcCartney]

And where have I been unappreciative?

In the following quotes-

I said that walking 100 laps of his garden isn’t remarkable.

Really not sure why you’re bringing his wartime achievements into this. Well, actually I am, it’s because you’re a jingoistic buffoon.

Particularly like the above example. Not being able to mention his military achievements is "jingoistic buffoonary" taking political correctness to a whole new bed wetting level.

However you’re going to have to try harder to convince me that walking around his garden in itself is a remarkable feat.

Someone throwing themselves in front of a bullet to save others is a hero,

Given his services to king and country he effectively did!

This guy hasn’t done anything more remarkable than a lot of others. He’s just walked 100 lengths of his garden, and fair play to him for that considering his age. But it’s nothing remarkable.

I know he’s old. Fair play, a few people make it to that age, most don’t. That’s just the luck of the draw. My point being that his fundraising could easily have raised just a few quid. He’s not done anything particularly remarkable by walking some lengths of his garden. There are people undertaking far more remarkable feats which won’t raise a fraction of this.

Apart from that Rileybobs, you're just like the rest of the nation. Fully appreciative of this humble, selfless gentleman's heroic achievements.

[Conroy92]

This has really escalated. I haven’t said that the amount he raised for the NHS isn’t remarkable. I said that the act of walking lengths of his garden isn’t remarkable. Sorry for that really controversial claim.

For a 99 year old man to walk 100 lengths of his garden after having his hip done is- remarkable. I'm not sure what else you'd call it. I'm not frothing, I just think you are making yourself look a belm.

[Rileybobs]

It is perfectly reasonable to admire the man whilst debating why he has become such a phenomenon. I don't really understand why the usual attack dogs are frothing at Rileybobs on this one.

I saw an interview with the gentleman and his family on Breakfast TV the other day. One of his relatives was talking about how they had prepared a press release and issued it to local media outlets. The language used suggested some expertise, or at least more knowledge than I have in that area.

The response to him is incredible and raises lots of questions for me. Questions about our need for common celebration, how we view the funding of public services, and our treatment of the elderly. It is not disloyal or disrespectful to think or question things on a messageboard. Some of the language and intolerance of alternative views on here is surely the antithesis of what he fought for.

Thanks Duffer, not for backing me up but for taking the time to understand the questions that I’m asking. As you say, the need for common celebration and finding heroes in troubled times is an interesting one and was the point I raised in my first post. The very response that I have got shows how much people have subconsciously bought into the hype in order to lift their spirits during this difficult time. That’s not a criticism of people for doing so, it’s a good thing, I just don’t buy into it in the same way. The same for clap the NHS etc.

I was also pointing out how curious it is that this particular man has raised £20m+ yet other people doing more remarkable things won’t raise a minute fraction of that.

[Rileybobs]

For a 99 year old man to walk 100 lengths of his garden after having his hip done is- remarkable. I'm not sure what else you'd call it. I'm not frothing, I just think you are making yourself look a belm.

Using the term ‘belm’ with the connotations that come with it isn’t really doing you any favours.

[Elizabeth]

The said 'victim' that you refer to duffer is more than capable of riding the storm created, judging from the characteristic style and content used on this board.

[Rileybobs]

The said 'victim' that you refer to duffer is more than capable of riding the storm created, judging from the characteristic style and content used on this board.

He didn’t say I wasn’t.

[Jakubclaret]

Thanks Duffer, not for backing me up but for taking the time to understand the questions that I’m asking. As you say, the need for common celebration and finding heroes in troubled times is an interesting one and was the point I raised in my first post. The very response that I have got shows how much people have subconsciously bought into the hype in order to lift their spirits during this difficult time. That’s not a criticism of people for doing so, it’s a good thing, I just don’t buy into it in the same way. The same for clap the NHS etc.

I was also pointing out how curious it is that this particular man has raised £20m+ yet other people doing more remarkable things won’t raise a minute fraction of that.

You'd be hard pressed to find anybody doing anything more remarkable, please let this sink in just for a minute, he's 99 & just had a hip operation, you won't find anybody else in them circumstances doing that it's extremely highly unlikely, without being disrespectful a man of that age in that condition you'd expect him to resting in bed or in a chair.

[Elizabeth]

He didn't need to, I said it

[Conroy92]

Using the term ‘belm’ with the connotations that come with it isn’t really doing you any favours.

I don't need any favours thanks I also didn't say you were a belm, just your posts made you appear to be one. I don't know you, but posts repeating that this man has done nothing remarkable do seem quite strange!

If a fit and healthy 40 year old man walked 100 laps of his garden would it be remarkable--No.
For a 99 year old man who has a had a hip replacement to do it- it is by very definition of the word remarkable.

I understand the asking the questions about where a hero comes from, why people donate etc but in reality you've been called out for saying this bloke is unremarkable when everyone can see he is.

I'm not related to him before you ask

[Conroy92]

You'd be hard pressed to find anybody doing anything more remarkable, please let this sink in just for a minute, he's 99 & just had a hip operation, you won't find anybody else in them circumstances doing that it's extremely highly unlikely, without being disrespectful a man of that age in that condition you'd expect him to resting in bed or in a chair.

Spot on!