Captain Sir Tom Moore ‘Great British Hero’ dies at 100.
Second World War veteran Captain Sir Tom Moore, who inspired the nation in lockdown by raising tens of millions of pounds for the NHS, has died aged 100, his family says. Captain Sir Tom was taken to Bedford Hospital on Sunday after being treated for pneumonia for some time and testing positive for coronavirus last week.
He became a national treasure and a household name after raising more than £32m for the health service by walking 100 laps of his garden with his zimmer frame – and was knighted for his efforts by the Queen at Windsor Castle last July.
In a statement, his daughters Hannah and Lucy said: “It is with great sadness that we announce the death of our dear father, Captain Sir Tom Moore.
“We are so grateful that we were with him during the last hours of his life; Hannah, Benjie and Georgia by his bedside and Lucy on FaceTime. We spent hours chatting to him, reminiscing about our childhood and our wonderful mother. We shared laughter and tears together.
“The last year of our father’s life was nothing short of remarkable. He was rejuvenated and experienced things he’d only ever dreamed of.”
Buckingham Palace said the Queen and the royal family’s thoughts are with his loved ones and she is sending a private message of condolence.
A palace spokesperson said: “Her Majesty very much enjoyed meeting Captain Sir Tom and his family at Windsor last year.”
He provided inspiration for the whole nation and others across the world, the spokesperson added.
In a statement, Prime Minister Boris Johnson said: “Captain Sir Tom Moore was a hero in the truest sense of the word. In the dark days of the Second World War he fought for freedom and in the face of this country’s deepest post-war crisis he united us all, he cheered us all up, and he embodied the triumph of the human spirit.
“He became not just a national inspiration but a beacon of hope for the world. Our thoughts are with his daughter Hannah and all his family.”
NHS Charities Together, for which Sir Tom raised more than £32 million, has paid tribute to the veteran.
Chief executive Ellie Orton said: “Captain Sir Tom Moore was a complete inspiration to us all and he did more than anyone to raise vital funds to support NHS patients, staff and volunteers during this crisis, when help was most needed. We owe him so much and we are devastated at today’s news. Our hearts go out to his family.
“Thanks to his amazing efforts, funds have reached the length and breadth of the UK through every one of our 241 member charities, and they have made a huge difference on the ground, both to address the immediate needs of patients and staff and to support the longer-term recovery of the NHS.
“Captain Sir Tom inspired so many people to take on their own extraordinary challenges, from running marathons to swimming lakes, and he gave us all hope. He showed NHS patients and staff who were struggling that people cared, that they were looking out for them and doing what they could to support them.
“Captain Sir Tom was a one-off and he leaves the world a better place. It has been a complete privilege to be associated with him. His legacy will be felt for years to come by all of our NHS charities and the patients, staff and volunteers we support.
“When the time is right, we will put together a suitable tribute to Captain Sir Tom, in honour of everything he did for NHS charities.
“Thank you, Captain Sir Tom. We will miss you and we won’t ever forget you. Our thoughts are with your family and friends.”
In recognition of his incredible efforts and in honour of Captain Sir Tom Moore, flags on Leeds Civic Hall and Leeds Town Hall will fly at half-mast today.
Councillor Judith Blake, leader of Leeds City Council said: “Captain Sir Tom Moore’s extraordinary efforts became a shining light for us all during some of the darkest days of the pandemic.
“Not only did this remarkable man raise a quite staggering amount of money to support those on the front lines of the fight against COVID-19, he also brought us joy, inspiration and a reason to smile amid all the worry and uncertainty of the past year.
“Our thoughts are with his family and loved ones today and we hope they will take some comfort in the knowledge that Captain Sir Tom will be mourned and remembered across the nation as a man who above all gave us hope that, in his own words, tomorrow will be a good day.”
Lord Mayor of Leeds Councillor Eileen Taylor added: “Captain Sir Tom Moore was a truly remarkable man in every sense of the word. His efforts over the past year captured the hearts and minds of people across the country and it’s with great sadness and profound respect that we honour him in Leeds today.
“He will be remembered as someone who against all odds, was able to lift the spirits of a nation through his indomitable spirit, determination, and compassion for others.”
In April, he became the oldest person to top Britain’s main music singles chart, featuring in a cover version of “You’ll Never Walk Alone” with singer Michael Ball.
Captain Tom said about the experience: “I never in my wildest dreams imagined I would be releasing a single with Michael Ball, but I also never thought it possible for me to walk in the garden and raise millions.
“So why not sing, spread some cheer and again – raise money for our national heroes.
“NHS this one is for you!”
When you walk through a storm
Hold your head up high
And don’t be afraid of the dark
At the end of a storm
There’s a golden sky
And the sweet silver song of a lark
Walk on through the wind
Walk on through the rain
Though your dreams be tossed and blown
Walk on, walk on
With hope in your heart
And you’ll never walk alone
You’ll never walk alone
Walk on, walk on
With hope in your heart
And you’ll never walk alone
You’ll never walk alone
