Captain Tom Moore and Michael Ball go to Number 1 with You’ll Never Walk Alone

Captain Tom Moore and Michael Ball have gone to Number 1 with their cover of You’ll Never Walk Alone.

The song, which also features The NHS Voices Of Care Choir, was released to help the NHS during the ongoing health crisis.

It followed former British Army Officer Captain Tom raising more than £28million for the NHS by walking 100 lengths of his garden with his frame.

The 99-year-old war veteran took the top spot this weekend with over 80,000 sales of the song, with proceedings from the single going to NHS Charities Together.

With his number 1, Captain Tom Moore becomes the oldest ever artist to reach the summit on the Official Singles Chart in its near 70-year history.

What’s more, Captain Tom will soon become the first centenarian to score an Official UK Number 1 single with his 100th birthday on Thursday.

Captain Tom Moore celebrated his Official Chart Number 1 telling BBC Radio 1’s Official Chart: “What wonderful news to receive today, a No.1 single and a record breaker too – my grandchildren can’t believe I am a chart-topper!

“I have to thank Michael Ball, the NHS Voices of Care Choir and everyone behind the scenes, who shared their talents and expertise in order to raise money for the NHS, to whom we owe so much.

“And, of course, the public for buying the single and donating – we’re in this together, and I am forever grateful for your support. And this just proves ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’”

Meanwhile, although he does have four Number 1 albums, the song is also the first Number 1 single of Michael Ball’s career.

Michael Ball told OfficialCharts.com: “This is the most extraordinary thing, one of the most proudest moments of my career, but it’s not about me, it’s about Captain Tom. Thank you for giving him a Number 1 on his 100th birthday. You are the best, God bless ya.”

Martin Talbot, chief executive Official Charts Company commented: “The sight of Captain Tom Moore and Michael Ball at the top of the Official Singles Chart this week should lift everybody’s spirits in these extraordinary times.

“We are absolutely delighted to see them at the pinnacle and setting new landmarks as they go – including a record as the oldest Number 1 Singles artist of all time.”

Picture credit: Emma Sohl – Capture The Light Photography