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A mum is calling to make Captain Sir Tom Moore "the face of the NHS".
Tracy Lindridge, from Gravesend, wants the inspirational war veteran to be remembered for eternity after he raised £33 million for the health service which saved her son's life.
Tributes have been pouring in for Capt Sir Tom since his death was announced yesterday.
He had links to Kent, after meeting and falling in love with his late wife, Pamela, in Gravesend. They both worked for the same roofing materials company and she was the office manager for the firm's headquarters in the town.
Many will take part in a national tribute to Capt Sir Tom Moore today. Prime Minister Boris Johnson has encouraged people to clap at 6pm tonight.
But Tracy, 43, said: "A clap is not enough for Sir Tom. He has been a beacon of light in this terrible time.
"His efforts should not just be recognised but remembered for future generations to come.
"He fought for his country in the Second World War, did that incredible walk. He is an inspiration to us all. He gave us all hope."
Tracy has other reasons to thank the NHS. Tracy and husband Mark's son Aaron was diagnosed with a rare form of cancer when he was two years old.
He underwent gruelling chemotherapy at a London hospital in December 2011 and specialist proton radiotherapy in the USA the following year.
The cancer affects fewer than 60 children in the UK each year and the cause remains unknown.
KentOnline's sister paper, the Gravesend Messenger, highlighted his plight with the campaign Help Aaron Smile with generous readers raising £9,000 in less than two months to help fund the trip to Oklahoma for treatment.
Six years after diagnosis Aaron, now aged 11, was given the all-clear by doctors.
While still receiving medical care for side effects, Aaron, a Thameview School pupil, is now able to lead as normal a life as possible. The Arsenal fan enjoys sport, including golf.
Tracy, who is also mum to Emily, 16, said: "We are eternally grateful to the NHS."
Speaking from the family home in Freeman Road, Tracy said: "They [the NHS] saved my son's life. I now hope as many people get behind my petition and make Captain Sir Tom the face of the NHS."
Tracy has lodged the petition with the UK Parliament website and is waiting for it to be approved.
Mayor of Gravesham, Cllr John Caller said: "It is with great sadness that we hear of the passing of Captain Sir Tom Moore, he gave the nation hope during the dark days of this pandemic.
"He showed the fighting spirit and British stiff upper lip that carried him through his 100 years, and carried us with him on those 100 laps.
"What he did for the morale of the whole nation cannot be measured. He inspired many, unified the country, and was a beacon of hope for a brighter future.
"We at Gravesham are proud of the link with Captain Sir Tom Moore.
"His legacy is that through his efforts the health of the whole nation is improved.
"He thanked us for our kindness whilst he raised £33m. We thank him for giving the nation hope. Your light shines on, your name will be mentioned when great British heroes are talked about."
